Beaumont City Council
October 18, 2022

City of Beaumont Draft
Beaumont Summit Station Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report

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Feature Description Assigned
Point Value
Potable Water
Showers Water Efficient Showerheads (2.0 gpm) 2
Toilets
Water Efficient Toilets (1.5 gpm) 3
Waterless Urinals (note that commercial buildings having both waterless urinals and high efficiency toilets will have a combined point value of 6 points) 3 Faucets Water Efficient faucets (1.28 gpm) 2
Commercial
Dishwashers Water Efficient Dishwasher (20% water savings) 2 Commercial
Laundry Washers
Water Efficient laundry (15% water savings) 2
High Efficiency laundry Equipment that captures and reuses rinse water (30% water savings) 4
Increase Commercial/Industrial Reclaimed Water Use
Recycled Water Graywater (purple pipe) irrigation system on site 5 Ride -Sharing and Bike -to-Work Programs
Alternative
Scheduling
Provide flexibility in scheduling such that at least 30% of employees participate in 9/80 work week, 4 -day/40-hour workweek, or telecommuting 1.5 days/week. 5 Car/Vanpools
Car/vanpool program 1
Car/vanpool program with preferred parking 2
Car/vanpool with guaranteed ride home program 3
Subsidized employee incentive car/vanpool program
(Note: combine all applicable points for total value) 5 Employee Bicycle/
Pedestrian
Programs
Complete sidewalk to residential within ½ mile 1
Complete bike path to residential within 3 miles 1
Bike lockers and secure racks 1
Showers and changing facilities 2
Subsidized employee walk/bike program
(Note: combine all applicable points for total value) 3 Shuttle/Transit
Programs
Local transit within ¼ mile 1
Light rail transit within ½ mile 3
Shuttle service to light rail transit station 5
Guaranteed ride home program 1
Subsidized Transit passes
(Note: combine all applicable points for total value) 2 Preferential Parking
Parking Provide reserved preferential parking spaces for car -share, carpool, and ultra-low or zero emission vehicles. 1

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Feature Description Assigned
Point Value
Provide larger parking spaces that can accommodate vans used for ridesharing programs and reserve them for vanpools and include adequate passenger waiting/loading areas.
1 Signal Synchronization and Intelligent Traffic Systems Signal
Improvements
Synchronize signals along arterials used by project 1 per signal Connect signals along arterials to existing ITS. 3 per signal Adopt and Implement a Bicycle Master Plan to Expand Bike Routes around the County Sidewalks
Provide sidewalks on one side of the street (required) 0 Provide sidewalks on both sides of the street 1
Provide pedestrian linkage between commercial and residential land uses within 1 mile 3
Bicycle Paths
Provide bicycle paths within project boundaries 1
Provide bicycle path linkages between commercial and other land uses 2 Provide bicycle path linkages between commercial and transit 5 Electrify the Fleet
Electric Vehicle
Recharging
Provide circuit and capacity in garages/parking areas for installation of electric vehicle charging stations 2 per area
Install electric vehicle charging stations in garages/parking areas 8 pts. per station / 240
Neighborhood
Electric Vehicle
(NEV)
Infrastructure
Provide NEV safe routes within the project site 3
Provide NEV safe routes between the project site and other land uses. 5 Reduce Waste to Landfills
Recycling
Provide separated recycling bins within each commercial building/floor and provide large external recycling collection bins at central location for collection truck pick-up
2 Provide commercial/industrial recycling programs that fulfills an on -site goal of 80% diversion of solid waste 5
TOTAL SCREENING TABLE POINTS 353
Note: Selected design features are shown in Bold.

Source: Riverside County Climate Action Plan Update, revised November 2019.

As proposed, the Project would generate 353 points on the County’s Screening Tables. Therefore, the Project is consistent with the Riverside County CAP.

Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy Consistency On September 3, 2020, SCAG’s Re gional Council adopted Connect SoCal (2020 - 2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy [2020 RTP/SCS]). The RTP/SCS is a long -range

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visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals. The RTP/SCS embodies a collective vision for the region’s future and is developed with input from local governments, county transportation commissions, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and local stakeholders in the counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. SCAG’s RTP/SCS establishes GHG emissions goals for automobiles and light-duty trucks for 2020 and 2035 as well as an overall GHG target for the Project region consistent with both the target date of AB 32 and the post -2020 GHG reduction goals of Executive Orders 5 -03-05 and B -30-15.

The RTP/SCS contains over 4,000 transportation projects, ranging from highway improvements, railroad grade separations, bicycle lanes, new transit hubs and replacement bridges. These future investments were included in county plans developed by the six county transportation commissions and seek to reduce traffic bottlenecks, improve the efficiency of the region’s network, and expand mobility choices for everyone. The RTP/SCS is an important planning document for the region, allowing project sponsors to qualify for federal funding.

The plan accounts for operations and maintenance costs to ensure reliability, longevity, and cos t effectiveness. The RTP/SCS is also supported by a combination of transportation and land use strategies that help the region achieve state GHG emissions reduction goals and Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA) requirements, preserve open space areas, improve public health and roadway safety, support our vital goods movement industry, and utilize resources more efficiently. GHG emissions resulting from development-related mobile sources are the most potent source of emissions, and therefore Project comparison to t he RTP/SCS is an appropriate indicator of whether the Project would inhibit the post - 2020 GHG reduction goals promulgated by the state. The Project’s consistency with the RTP/SCS goals is analyzed in detail in Table 4.7-8, Regional Transportation Plan/Sust ainable Communities Strategy Consistency .

Table 4.7-8: Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy Consistency SCAG Goals Compliance
GOAL 1: Encourage regional economic prosperity
and global competitiveness.

N/A: This is not a project -specific policy and is therefore not applicable. However, the Project is located on a
vacant site and development of the site would
contribute to regional economic prosperity.

GOAL 2: Improve mobility, accessibility, reliability,
and travel safety for people and goods.

Consistent: Although this Project is not a transportation improvement project, the Project is located near
existing transit routes on I -10.

GOAL 3: Enhance the preservation, security, and
resilience of the regional transportation
system.

N/A: This is not a transportation improvement project and is therefore not applicable.

GOAL 4: Increase person and goods movement and
travel choices within the transportation
system.

N/A: This is not a transportation improvement project and is therefore not applicable. However, the Project
includes an e -commerce use that would support
goods movement.

GOAL 5: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
improve air quality.

Consistent: The Project is located within an urban area in proximity to existing truck routes and freeways.

Location of the project within a developed area

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SCAG Goals Compliance
would reduce trip lengths, which would reduce GHG
and air quality emissions.

GOAL 6: Support healthy and equitable communities Consistent: Although the Project exceeds regional thresholds for criteria pollutants, the Project does not exceed
localized thresholds. Based on the Friant Ranch
decision, projects that do not exceed the SCAQMD’s
LSTs would not violate any air quality standards or
contribute substantially to an existing or projected
air quality violation and result in no criteria pollutant health impacts.

GOAL 7: Adapt to a changing climate and support an
integrated regional development pattern
and transportation network.

N/A: This is not a project -specific policy and is therefore not applicable.

GOAL 8: Leverage new transportation technologies
and data-driven solutions that result in
more efficient travel .

N/A: This is not a project -specific policy and is therefore not applicable.

GOAL 9: Encourage development of diverse housing
types in areas that are supported by
multiple transportation options.

N/A: The Project involves development of an e -commerce facility and commercial uses and does not include
housing.

GOAL
10:

Promote conservation of natural and
agricultural lands and restoration of
habitats.

N/A: This Project is located on previously disturbed land and is not located on agricultural lands.

Source: Southern California Association of Governments, Connect SoCal (2020 - 2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy , 2020.

The goals stated in the RTP/SCS were used to determine consistency with the planning effort s previously stated. As shown in Table 4.7-8, the Project would be consistent with the stated goals of the RTP/SCS.

Therefore, the Project would not result in any significant impacts or interfere with SCAG’s ability to achieve the region’s post -2020 mobile source GHG reduction targets.

California Air Resource Board Scoping Plan Consistency
The California State Legislature adopted Assembly Bill (AB ) 32 in 2006. AB 32 focuses on reducing GHGs (CO2 , CH4, N2 O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6) to 1990 levels by the year 2020. Pursuant to the requirements in AB 32, CARB adopted the Climate Change Scoping Plan (Scoping Plan) in 2008, which outlines actions recommended to obtain that goal. The Scoping Plan provides a range of GHG reduction actions that include direct regulations, alternative compliance mechanisms, monetary and non -monetary incentives, voluntary actions, market -based mechanisms such as the cap-and-trade program, and an AB 32 implementation fee to fund the program.

The 2017 Scoping Plan Update identifies additional GHG reduction measures necessary to achieve the 2030 target. These measures build upon those identified in the first update to the Scoping Plan in 2013.

Although a number of these measures are currently established as policies and measures, some measures have not yet been formally proposed or adopted. It is expected that these actions to reduce GHG emissions will be adopted as required to achieve statewide GHG emissions targets. As shown in Table 4.7-9, Project Consistency with Applicable CARB Scoping Plan Measures , the Project is consistent

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with most of the strategies, while others are not applicable to the Project . As such, impacts related to consistency with the Scoping Plan would be less than significant.

Table 4.7-9: Project Consistency with Applicable CARB Scoping Plan Measures Scoping Plan
Sector
Scoping Plan
Measure
Implementing
Regulations Project Consistency
Transportation California Cap-and-
Trade Program
Linked to Western
Climate Initiative
Regulation for the
California Cap on GHG
Emissions and Market -
Based Compliance
Mechanism
October 20, 2015
(CCR 95800)
Consistent. The Cap-and-Trade Program applies to
large industrial sources such as power plants,
refineries, and cement manufacturers. However, the
regulation indirectly affects people who use the
products and services produced by these industrial
sources when increased cost of products or services
(such as electricity an d fuel) are transferred to the
consumers. The Cap -and-Trade Program covers the
GHG emissions associated with electricity consumed in
California, generated in -state or imported.

Accordingly, GHG emissions associated with CEQA
projects’ electricity usage are covered by the Cap-and- Trade Program. The Cap -and-Trade Program also
covers fuel suppliers (natural gas and propane fuel
providers and transportation fuel providers) to address emissions from such fuels and combustion of other
fossil fuels not directly co vered at large sources in the Program’s first compliance period.

California Light -Duty
Vehicle GHG
Standards
Pavley I 2005 Regulations
to Control GHG Emissions
from Motor Vehicles
Pavley I 2005 Regulations
to Control GHG Emissions
from Motor Vehicles
Consistent. This measure applies to all new vehicles
starting with model year 2012. The Project would not
conflict with its implementation as it would apply to all new passenger vehicles purc hased in California.

Passenger vehicles, model year 2012 and later,
associated with construction and operation of the
Project would be required to comply with the Pavley
emissions standards.
2012 LEV III California
GHG and Criteria
Pollutant Exhaust and
Evaporative Emission
Standards
Consistent. The LEV III amendments provide
reductions from new vehicles sold in California
between 2017 and 2025. Passenger vehicles
associated with the site would comply with LEV III
standards.

Low Carbon Fuel
Standard
2009 readopted in 2015.

Regulations to Achieve
GHG Emission Reductions
Subarticle 7. Low Carbon
Fuel Standard CCR 95480
Consistent. This measure applies to transportation
fuels utilized by vehicles in California. The Project
would not conflic t with implementation of this
measure. Motor vehicles associated with construction
and operation of the Project would utilize low carbon
transportation fuels as required under this measure.

Regional
Transportation-
Related GHG
Targets.

SB 375. Cal. Public
Resources Code §§
21155, 21155.1, 21155.2,
21159.28
Consistent. The Project would provide development in
the region that is consistent with the growth
projections in the RTP/SCS.

Goods Movement Goods Movement Action
Plan January 2007
Not applicable . The Project does not propose any
changes to maritime, rail, or intermodal facilities or
forms of transportation.

Medium/Heavy-Duty
Vehicle
2010 Amendments to the
Truck and Bus
Regulation, the Drayage
Truck Regulation and the
Tractor-Trailer GHG
Regulation
Consistent. This measure applies to medium and
heavy-duty vehicles that operate in the state. The
Project would not conflict with implementation of this measure. Medium and heavy -duty vehicles associated
with construction and operation of the Project would
be required to comply with the requirements of this
regulation.

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Scoping Plan
Sector
Scoping Plan
Measure
Implementing
Regulations Project Consistency
High Speed Rail Funded under SB 862 Not applicable . This is a statewide measure that cannot be implemented by a project applicant or Lead
Agency.

Electricity and
Natural Gas

Energy Efficiency Title 20 Appliance
Efficiency Regulation
Consistent. The Project would not conflict with
implementation of this measure. The Project would
comply with the latest energy efficiency standards. Title 24 Part 6 Energy Efficiency Standards for
Residential and Non -
Residential Building
Title 24 Part 11 California
Green Building Code
Standards
Renewable Portfolio
Standard/Renewable
Electricity Standard.
2010 Regulation to
Implement the
Renewable Electricity
Standard (33% 2020)
Consistent. The Project would obtain electricity from
the electric utility, Southern California Edison (SCE).

SCE obtained 36 percent of its power supply from
renewable sources in 2019. Therefore, the utility
would provide power when needed on -site that is
composed of a greater percentage of renewable
sources.

Million Solar Roofs
Program
SB 350 Clean Energy and
Pollution Reduction Act
of 2015 (50% 2030)
Million Solar Roofs
Program
Tax Incentive Program Consistent. This measure is to increase solar throughout California, which is being done by various
electricity providers and existing solar programs. The
program provides incentives that are in place at the
time of construction.

Water Water Title 24 Part 11 California
Green Building Code
Standards
Consistent. The Project would comply with the
CalGreen standards, which requires a 20 percent
reduction in indoor water use. The Project would also
comply with the City’s Water -Efficient Landscaping
Regulations (Chapter 17.06, Section 17.06.030 of the
Beaumont Code of Ordinances).

SBX 7 -7—The Water
Conservation Act of 2009
Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance
Green Buildings Green Building
Strategy
Title 24 Part 11 California
Green Building Code
Standards
Consistent. The State is to increase the use of green
building practices. The Project would implement
required green building strategies through existing
regulation that requires the Project to comply with
various CalGreen requirements. The Project includes
sustainability design features that support the Green
Building Strategy.

Industry Industrial Emissions 2010 CARB Mandatory
Reporting Regulation
Not applicable. The Mandatory Reporting Regulation
requires facilities and entities with more than 10,000
MTCO2e of combustion and process emissions, all
facilities belonging to certain industries, and all electric power entities to submit an annual GHG em issions
data report directly to CARB. As shown above,
although total Project GHG emissions would exceed
10,000 MTCO2e, the majority of these emissions are
from mobile sources. Therefore, this regulation would
not apply.

Recycling and
Waste
Management
Recycling and Waste Title 24 Part 11 California
Green Building Code
Standards
Consistent. The Project would not conflict with
implementation of these measures. The P roject is
required to achieve the recycling mandates via
compliance with the CALGreen code. The City has
consistently achieved its state recycling mandates.

AB 341 Statewide 75
Percent Diversion Goal
Forests Sustainable Forests Cap and Trade Offset
Projects
Not applicable. The Project is in an area designated for urban uses. No forested lands exist on-site.

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Scoping Plan
Sector
Scoping Plan
Measure
Implementing
Regulations Project Consistency
High Global
Warming
Potential
High Global
Warming Potential
Gases
CARB Refrigerant
Management Program
CCR 95380
Consistent. The regulations are applicable to
refrigerants used by large air conditioning systems and large commercial and industrial refrigerators and cold
storage system. The Project would not conflict with the refrigerant management regulations adopted by CARB.

Agriculture Agriculture Cap and Trade Offset
Projects for Livestock and
Rice Cultivation
Not applicable . The Project site is designated for urban development. No grazing, feedlot, or other agricultural activities that generate manure occur currently exist
on-site or are proposed to be implemented by the
Project .

Source: California Air Resources Board, California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan, November 2017 and CARB, Climate Change Scoping Plan, December 2008.

As seen in Tables 4.7-6 through 4.7-9, the Project would be consistent with all applicable plan goals. In addition, the Project would include several sustainable design features that would help reduce GHG emissions. Table 4.7-5 shows that with mitigation the Project at buildout (Phase 1 and Phase 2) is estimated to emit approximately 25,107 MTCO2e per year in the opening year and 18,183 MTCO2e in 2040 directly from on‐site activities and indirectly from off‐site motor vehicles .

Regarding goals for 2050 under Executive Order S-3-05, at this time it is not possible to quantify the emissions savings from future regulatory measures, as they have not yet been developed; nevertheless, it can be anticipated that operation of the proposed Project would benefit from the implementation of current and potential future regulations (e.g., improvements in vehicle emissions, SB 100/renewable electricity portfolio improvements , CARB’s Mobile Source Strategy, etc.) enacted to meet an 80 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2050.

The majority of the GHG reductions from the Scoping Plan would result from continuation of the Cap -and- Trade regulation. AB 398 (2017) extends the state’s Cap-and-Trade program through 2030 and the Scoping Plan provide a comprehensive plan for the state to achieve its GHG targets through a variety of regulations enacted at the state level. Additional reductions are achieved from electricity sector standards (i.e., utility providers to supply 60 percent renewable electri city by 2030 and 100 percent renewable by 2045), doubling the energy efficiency savings at end uses, additional reductions from the LCFS, implementing the short-lived GHG strategy (e.g., hydrofluorocarbons), and implementing the Mobile Source Strategy and Sustainable Freight Action Plan.

Several of the State’s plans and policies would contribute to a reduction in mobile source emissions from the Project. These include the following:
• CARB’s Advanced Clean Truck Regulation: CARB’s Advanced Clean Truck Regula tion in June 2020 requiring truck manufacturers to transition from diesel trucks and vans to electric zero -emission trucks beginning in 2024. By 2045, every new truck sold in California is required to be zero - emission. The Advanced Clean Truck Regulation a ccelerates the transition of zero-emission medium-and heavy-duty vehicles from Class 2b to Class 8. • Executive Order N-79-20: Executive Order N-79-20 establishes the goal for all new passenger cars and trucks, as well as all drayage/cargo trucks and off-road vehicles and equipment, sold in California, will be zero-emission by 2035 and all medium and heavy-duty vehicles will be zero-

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emission by 2045. It also directs CARB to develop and propose rulemaking for passenger vehicles and trucks, medium-and heavy-dut y fleets where feasible, drayage trucks, and off-road vehicles and equipment “requiring increasing volumes” of new ZEVs “towards the target of 100 percent.” • CARB’s Mobile Source Strategy : CARB’s Mobile Source Strategy takes an integrated planning approach to identify the level of transition to cleaner mobile source technologies needed to achieve all of California’s targets by increasing the adoption of ZEV buses and trucks. • CARB’s Sustainable Freight Action Plan : The Sustainable Freight Action Plan which im proves freight system efficiency, utilizes near-zero emissions technology, and deployment of ZEV trucks.

This Plan applies to all trucks accessing the Project site and may include existing trucks or new trucks that are part of the statewide goods movement sector. • CARB’s Emissions Reduction Plan for Ports and Goods Movement : CARB’s Emissions Reduction Plan for Ports and Goods Movement identifies measures to improve goods movement efficiencies such as advanced combustion strategies, friction reduction, waste heat recovery, and electrification of accessories .

While these measures are not directly applicable to the Project, any commercial activity associated with goods movement would be required to comply with these measures as adopted. As such, the Project would not interfere with their implementation.

The Project would not obstruct or interfere with efforts to increase ZEVs or state efforts to improve system efficiency. As described above, the Project would be consistent with all applicable plan goals. Complia nce with applicable State standards (e.g., continuation of the Cap-and-Trade regulation; CARB’s Mobile Source Strategy, Sustainable Freight Action Plan, and Advanced Clean Truck Regulation; Executive Order N -79-20; SB 100/renewable electricity portfolio improvements that require 60 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and 100 percent renewable by 2045, etc.) would ensure consistency with State and regional GHG reduction planning efforts.

As discussed above, MM AQ-3 through MM AQ-6 as identified in Section 4.2, Air Quality , would reduce mobile source emissions and would support the State’s transition to ZEVs by requiring electrical hookups at all loading bays, promoting the use of alternative fuels and clean fleets, requiring electri c vehicle charging stations and/or infrastructure to support the future installation of truck charging stations . The Project would also benefit from implementation of the State programs for ZEVs and goods movement efficiencies that reduce future GHG emissions from trucks. SC GHG-1 through SC GHG-9, as required by the California Building Code, would provide designated parking to promote the use of alternative fuels and clean fleets, facilitate future installation of electric vehicle supply equipment, and lim it idling times.

Furthermore, MM GHG-1 requires the installation of solar panels to offset the Project’s energy consumption and MM GHG-2 requires the Project to meet or exceed CalGreen Tier 2 standards to further improve energy efficiency.

In conclusion, the Project does not conflict with the applicable plans that are discussed above and therefore with respect to this particular threshold, the Project does not have a significant impact.

However, despite plan consistency, the Project’s long -term operational GHG emissions would exceed the City’s significance threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e per year despite the implementation of MM AQ -3 through

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MM AQ-6 in Section 4.2, Air Quality , MM GHG-1 through MM GHG-4, and energy conserving PDFs, thus the Project could impede California’s statewide GHG reduction goals for 2030 and 2050. A potentially significant impact would therefore occur as a result of the proposed Project.

Mitigation Measures
Refer to MM AQ-3 through MM AQ-6 in the Section 4.2, Air Quality and MM GHG-1 through MM GHG-4, above.

Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable impact. No additional feasible mitigation measures are available that can reduce impacts to less than significant.

4.7.6 Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative Setting
Climate change is a global problem. GHGs are global pollutants, unlike criteria air pollutants and TACs, which are pollutants of regional and local concern. Whereas pollutants with localized air quality effects have relatively short atmospheric lifetimes (about 1 day), GHGs have much longer atmospheric lifetimes of 1 year to several thousand years that allow them to be dispersed around the globe.

Cumulative Impacts
It is generally the case that an individual project of this size and nature is of insufficient magnitude by itself to influence climate change or result in a substantial contribution to the global GHG inventory. GHG impacts are recognized as exclusively cumulative impacts; there are no non -cumulative GHG emission impacts from a climate change perspective. The additive effect of Project-related GHGs would not result in a reasonably foreseeable cumulatively considerable contribution to global climate change. As discussed above, the Project-related GHG emissions would exceed the SCAQMD’s threshold of 10,000 MTCO2eq despite implementation of MM AQ-3 through MM AQ-6 (refer to Section 4.2 Air Quality) and MM GHG-1 through MM GHG-4 and could impede statewide 2030 and 2050 GHG emission reduction targets. As such, the Project would result in a potentially significant cumulative GHG impact.

Mitigation Measures
Refer to MM AQ -3 through MM AQ -6 in Section 4.2, Air Quality and MM GHG-1 through MM GHG-4, above.

Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable impact. No additional feasible mitigation measures are available that can reduce impacts to less than significant.

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4.7.7 Significant Unavoidable Impacts
Even with implementation of regulatory requirements, standard conditions of approval, and reasonable and feasible mitigation, the Project would result in significant and unavoidable impacts with respect to consistency with GHG plans and GHG emissions, on an individual and cumulative basis.

4.7.8 References
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA), CalEEMod User Guide Appendix A:

Calculation Details, Section 5.2 Methodology for Converting EMFAC2017 Emission Rates into CalEEMod Vehicle Emission Factors, May 2021.

California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, Quantifying Gree nhouse Gas Mitigation Measures, August 2010.

California Air Resources Board, Appendix B: Emissions Estimation Methodology of On-Road Diesel-Fueled Heavy-Duty Drayage Trucks at California Ports and Intermodal Rail Yards . Table II -7. https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/msei/onroad/downloads/drayage_trucks/appbf.pdf California Air Resources Board, California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan, 2017.

California Air Resources Board, EMFAC2021 Volume III Technical Document , March 21, 2021.

City of Beaumont, City of Beaumont General Plan, 2007.

City of Beaumont, Sustainable Beaumont: The City’s Roadmap to Greenhouse Gas Reductions, 2015.

EXETER Property Group, Conceptual Site Plan, June 2021.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, 2007.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis, Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change , 2013.

Kimley-Horn. 2022. Air Quality Assessment .

Kimley-Horn. 2022. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment .

National Research Council, Advancing the Science of Climate Change , 2010.

State of California, Code of Regulations Section 15065.5a, 2018.

Southern California Association of Governments, Connect SoCal (2020 - 2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, 2020.

South Coast Air Quality Management District, Draft Guidance Document – Interim CEQA Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Significance Threshold, October 2008.

South Coast Air Quality Management District , High Cube Warehouse Truck Trip Study White Paper Summary of Business Survey Results, June 2014.

South Coast Air Qua lity Management District, Minutes for the GHG CEQA Significance Threshold Stakeholder Working Group #8, 2009.

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South Coast Air Quality Management District, Minutes for the GHG CEQA Significance Threshold Stakeholder Working Group #13, 2009.

South Coast Air Quality Management District, Minutes for the GHG CEQA Significance Threshold Stakeholder Working Group #15, 2010.

U.S. Energy Information Administration, Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey. Table PBA4.

Electricity consumption totals and conditional intensities by building activity subcategories, 2012.

U.S. EPA, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 -2016, 2018.

U.S. EPA, Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emission from Natural Sources, 2010.

U.S. EPA, Overview of Greenhouse Gases, 2018.

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April 2022 4.8-1 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials

4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

4.8.1 Introduction
The purpose of this section is to describe the potential impacts of implementing the Beaumont Summit Station Specific Plan (Project), on human health and the environment due to exposure to hazardous materials or conditions associated with the Project site, Project construction, and Project operations.

Potential impacts and appropriate mitigation measures or standard conditions are included as necessary.

The analysis in this section is based, in part, upon the following source(s):
• The Vertex Companies, Inc. April 2021. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment A complete copy of this study is included in the Draft EIR as Appendix G.

4.8.2 Environmental Setting
Current Uses of Property
The Project site consists of several parcels of land, approximately 188-acres of development. The Project site was observed to be in a rural and residential area of the City of Beaumont (City) within Riverside County (County). Adjoining properties were observed (from the Project site or from public access areas) for signs of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and their potential to pose an environmental concern to the Project site. The uses and features of adjoining properties are described in Table 4.8-1, Adjoining Property Summary and the location of the site and the surrounding properties relative to the site are depicted in Exhibit 4.8-1, Project Vicinity.

Table 4.8-1: Adjoining Property Summary
Nearby/ Adjoining Property Summary
Direction Property Use Concerns
North Cherry Valley Boulevard with planned industrial uses zoned Industrial (I‐P) and Danny Thomas Ranch beyond in the County of Riverside. None East Scattered single‐family residences zoned Agriculture (A‐1‐1) and residential (R‐A‐1) in the County of Riverside. None
South Brookside Avenue and property zoned for neighborhood commercial and single - family residential uses beyond. None
West Vacant property zoned for Residential (R‐A‐1) and Commercial (C‐P‐S) in the County of Riverside. None
The central and east portions of the Project site are developed with multiple concrete foundations and several outbuildings which are remnants of the former Sunny‐Cal Egg and Poultry Ranch operations that occupied the Project site from the early 1960s to 2005. The several outbuildings were constructed with wood-framing, concrete masonry units (CMU), wood panels and corrugated metal panels, with concrete flooring. The buildings had been abandoned since operations ceased and were in various states of disrepair.

Exterior areas of the Project site included undeveloped land, a retention pond on the southeast corner of the Project site and various dry creek beds on the southwest and south portions of the Project site. Several

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above ground storage tanks (ASTs) of various sizes were observed on the southeast and northeast portions of the Project site, which were empty at the time of the Project site visit. The ASTs were empty, but likely held water and fuel. According to building permit records, one 12,000-gallon AST at the Project site was formerly used to hold diesel; however, this was not evident at the time of the Project site visit.

Additionally, there are several rubble piles from recently demolished outbuildings and residences located on the northeast portion of the Project site, and open sub-grade vaults on the central portion of the Project site. A fenced-in enclosure with a small concrete masonry unit building that houses an active water well is located on the north central portion of the Project site. The well is designated as Well 29 and is owned and maintained by the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District.

Historical Uses of Property
A review of historical information showed that the Project site is located in a rural and residential area. It was undeveloped land and an intermittent creek as early as 1901. By 1938, the Project site was developed with orchards on the northeast section of the Project site until the mid-1940s, when they were removed and the land left vacant. By the early 1950s, residences and agricultural buildings were developed on the east portion of the Project site and by the mid-1960s, egg and poultry farm buildings were developed on the east portion of the Project site. Additional outbuildings and aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are developed by the 1980s, with further building developments and water retention ponds on the central portion of the Project site in the mid-1990s. By 2009, the present City water well enclosure was developed on the northeast portion of the Project site in its current configuration. By 2016, the Project site buildings appear to be vacant and unused. No RECs were identified with the past and current use of the Project site.

Based on review of readily available historical information, the adjoining properties were undeveloped land as early as 1901 until orchards were developed on the east adjoining property by the late 1930s. By the early 1950s, orchards were developed on the west adjoining property until the mid-1960s, when the orchards were removed from the east and west adjoining properties and residences were developed on the east adjoining property. Additional residences and farms were developed on the east and south adjoining properties by the mid-1980s. Residential neighborhoods were developed on the south adjoining property by 2006 and by 2009 an RV park was developed on the central portion of the south adjoining property. No RECs were identified with respect to the historical surrounding property uses.

Environmental Site Assessment
According to the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), the Project site address 37251 Cherry Valley Boulevard was identified on several databases for potential connection of a REC:
• Historical Underground Storage Tank (HIST UST) and Statewide Evaluation and Planning System UST (SWEEPS UST) for having historically one 550-gallon diesel UST, one 8,000-gallon diesel UST and one 1,000-gallon unleaded gasoline UST, installed between 1978 and 1979. The removal date of the USTs is unknown. Based on the lack of UST removal and closure documents, the historical USTs are considered evidence of a REC in connection with the site. • Identified on the HAZNET, Hazardous Waste Tracking System (HWTS), and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) databases for the disposal unspecified oil containing waste in 2006. The Project site maintained a

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construction water permit from 2015 until its termination in 2016. These listings are not considered a REC in connection with the Project site.
• Identified on the California Environmental Reporting System Hazardous Waste (CERS HAZ WASTE) database for being a chemical storage facility. According to the Cal Environmental Protection Agency portal, approximately 1,200 to 2,999 gallons of sodium hypochlorite solution (potentially used as water chemical treatment for the city water well), which is stored in the CMU building inside the fenced in enclosure on the northeast portion of the Project site. Two violations related to submitting business plans were reported, but both violations were later brought to compliance.

Based on the lack of reported releases, return to compliance, and that this enclosure is owned and maintained by the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, this is not a REC in connection with the Project site.

A review of state and federal regulatory records revealed several facilities within ASTM -specified search radii of the Project site. The facilities are located over 1,850 feet from the site and are not considered an environmental concern to the site based on distance, regulatory status, and/or apparent groundwater gradient and are not further discussed.

Observations of site conditions were made during the site reconnaissance and are summarized in Table 4.8-2, Site Observations, below. Issues of concern are discussed in greater detail following the table.

Table 4.8-2: Site Observations
Site Observations
Description
Reported/
Observed
On-Site Y/N
Comments
Hazardous
Substances and
Petroleum Products
N
The site is currently unoccupied and unused, except for cattle grazing. No hazardous substances or petroleum products were observed on site. A stack of broken fluorescent light tubes was stored in an outbuilding on the northeast portion of the site. The current on-site operations do not represent an environmental concern.

UST(s) N
VERTEX did not observe fill pipes, vent pipes or other evidence of UST(s).

VERTEX did not observe operations and/or equipment that are typically associated with significant fuel or chemical storage that typically utilizes USTs. However, according to the HIST UST and SWEEPS UST regulatory databases, three fuel USTs were historically used at the site and were installed between 1978 and 1979. See Sections 6.1 and 6.3 for further discussion.

AST(s) Y
There are several ASTs located on the north, east and south portion of the site. At the time of the assessment, the ASTs were empty, but likely held water and fuel. According to building permit records, one 12,000 - gallon AST at the site was formerly used to hold diesel; however, this was not evident at the time of the site visit. No concerns or staining around the ASTs were identified. Strong, Pungent, or
Noxious Odors N Not identified during the site visit.

Pools of Liquid N Not identified during the site visit.

Drums N Not identified during the site visit.

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Site Observations
Description
Reported/
Observed
On-Site Y/N
Comments
Unidentified
Substance Containers N Not identified during the site visit.

Polychlorinated
Biphenyls (PCB)-
containing
Equipment
N
VERTEX observed a pad-mounted transformer on the northeast portion of the site in the fenced-in enclosure that houses the city water well.

Additionally, based on the date of installation (by 2009), it is unlikely that the equipment is PCB containing. No concerns were noted.

Utilities (Electricity/
Natural Gas) Y Electricity – supplied by SCE
Natural gas – none
Hydraulic Equipment N Not identified during the site visit.

Water Supply N The site is presently unoccupied.

Wells Y The Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District has one city water well housed in an enclosure on the northeast portion of the site.

Wastewater N The site is presently unoccupied.

Septic Y
Septic systems were not observed at the time of the assessment, due to the debris piles from recently demolished work and residential buildings on the northeast portion of the site; however, building permits indicated that septic systems and seepage pits were historically present at the site.

Storm Water Y Currently storm water at the site is either absorbed directly into the bare ground or directed south to the intermittent creek bed.

Flood Plain N
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Flood Insurance Rate Map, the site is not located in a 100- or 500-year floodplain.

Pits, Ponds, Lagoons N Not identified during the site visit.

Stained Soil, Stained
Pavement, Corrosion
to Pavement
N Not identified during the site visit.

Stressed Vegetation N Not identified during the site visit.

Solid Waste Y
The site is unoccupied; however, there are large debris piles from the demolition of buildings and the remains of the previous business operations (chicken cages, fluorescent light bulbs, old engine parts) that are located throughout the site. Hazardous Waste
Management N Not identified during the site visit.

Heating/Cooling N The site is presently unoccupied and the buildings in a deteriorated state.

Drains, Sumps,
Oil/Water
Separators/Sand
Traps
N Not identified during the site visit.

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Site Observations
Description
Reported/
Observed
On-Site Y/N
Comments
Vapor Intrusion Y
As part of this assessment, VERTEX assessed the potential for impacts to the site from potential on- and off-site sources of vapor intrusion. The potential for impacts from off-site properties included a review of current off-site operations (see Section 2.4), a review of historical operations (see Section 5.2), and a review of regulatory database records (see Section 6.2). The former on-site USTs represent a potential sources of vapor intrusion.

A records request was submitted to the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health – Hazardous Materials Certified Unified Program Agency for UST closure records for the site; however, a response is pending. Based on the lack of closure and removal documentation, the historical USTs are considered a REC in connection with the site. No other significant data gaps that would affect the ability to identify RECs at the site were encountered during this assessment. Deviations or deletions from the scope of work defined by ASTM E 1527-13 were not intentionally made.

Airport Hazards
The nearest airstrip is the Banning Municipal Airport in Banning, located at 200 S. Hathaway Street, Banning, CA 92220, approximately 9.5 miles east of the eastern Project site boundary.

Wildland Hazards
According to Cal Fire, the California Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Viewer, the Project site is not located within a moderate, high, or very high fire FHSZ. 1
Schools
The nearest schools to the Project site are Tournament Hills Elementary, which is less than a mile southwest from the Project site, Brookside Elementary School which is 1.65 miles west of the Project site, and Beaumont High School at 39139 Cherry Valley Boulevard, approximately 2.0 miles to the east.

4.8.3 Regulatory Setting
Hazardous materials and wastes are identified and defined by federal and state regulations for the purpose of protecting public health and the environment. Hazardous materials contain certain chemical, physical, or infectious properties that cause them to be considered hazardous. Hazardous wastes are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40, Volume 25, Parts 260–265 and in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22 Div. 4.5, Chapter 11, Article 1, § 66261. Over the years, the laws and regulations have evolved to deal with different aspects of the handling, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.

1 Cal Fire. 2021. California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer. Retrieved from: https://egis.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ/ (accessed on June 2, 2021).

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Federal
Federal Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976
The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) provides the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures. TSCA addresses the production, importation, use, and disposal of specific chemicals including PCBs, asbestos, radon, and LBP. Title IV of the TSCA directs the U.S. EPA to regulate LBP hazards.

TSCA §§ 402 and 404 requires that those engaged in lead abatements, risk assessments and inspections in homes or child-occupied facilities (such as daycare centers and kindergartens) built prior to 1978 be trained and certified in specific practices to ensure accuracy and safety. TSCA § 403, sets standards for dangerous levels of lead in paint, household dust, and residential soil.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 (42 United States Code [USC] § 6901 et seq.) is the principal federal law that regulates the generation, management, and transportation of waste.

Hazardous waste management includes the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste. The RCRA gave the U.S. EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from “cradle to grave,” that is, from generation to transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal, at active and future facilities. It does not address abandoned or historical sites. The RCRA also set forth a framework for managing nonhazardous wastes.

Later amendments required phasing out land disposal of hazardous waste and added underground tanks storing petroleum and other hazardous substances.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as “Superfund,” was enacted by Congress on December 11, 1980. This law provided broad federal authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. CERCLA established requirements concerning closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites, provided for liability of persons responsible for releases of hazardous waste at these sites, and established a trust fund to provide for clean-up when no responsible party could be identified. CERCLA also enabled the revision of the National Contingency Plan. The National Contingency Plan provided the guidelines and procedures needed to respond to releases and threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. The National Contingency Plan also established the National Priorities List, which is a list of contaminated sites warranting further investigation by the U.S. EPA. CERCLA was amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act on October 17, 1986.

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) authorized the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA; 42 USC §11001 et seq.) to inform communities and citizens of chemical hazards in their areas by requiring businesses to report the locations and quantities of chemicals

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stored on-site to state and local agencies; releases to the environment of more than 600 designated toxic chemicals; off-site transfers of waste; and pollution prevention measures and activities and to participate in chemical recycling. The U.S. EPA maintains and publishes an online, publicly available, national database of toxic chemical releases and other waste management activities by certain industry groups and federal facilities—the Toxics Release Inventory.

To implement EPCRA, each state appointed a state emergency response commission to coordinate planning and implementation activities associated with hazardous materials. The commissions divided their states into emergency planning districts and named a local emergency planning committee for each district. The federal EPCRA program is implemented and administered in California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), a state commission, six local committees, and 81 Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs). Cal OES coordinates and provides staff support for the state commission and local committees.

Occupational Safety and Health Act
The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) (29 USC §651 et seq.) authorizes each state (including California) to establish their own safety and health programs with the U.S. Department of Labor, with OSHA approval. The California Department of Industrial Relations regulates implementation of worker health and safety in California. California OSHA enforcement units conduct on-site evaluations and issue notices of violation to enforce necessary improvements to health and safety practices. California standards for workers dealing with hazardous materials are contained in Title 8 of the CCR and include best practices for all industries (General Industrial Safety Orders), and specific practices for construction and other industries. Workers at hazardous waste sites (or working with hazardous wastes as might be encountered during excavation of contaminated soil) must receive specialized training and medical supervision according to the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) regulations.

OSHA Regulation 29 CFR Standard 1926.62 regulates the demolition, renovation, or construction of buildings involving lead materials. Federal, state, and local requirements also govern the removal of asbestos or suspected ACMs, including the demolition of structures where asbestos is present. All friable (crushable by hand) ACMs, or non-friable ACMs subject to damage, must be abated prior to demolition following all applicable regulations.

Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, §61 Subpart M
Title 40 CFR § 61 Subpart M—National Emissions Standards for Asbestos—sets forth emissions standards for asbestos from demolition and renovation activities, and for waste disposal from such activities.

Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 745
Title 40, CFR, Part 745 contains regulations developed under §§ 402 and 406 of the TSCA and applies to all renovations performed for compensation in target housing and child-occupied facilities.

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The purpose of this subpart is to ensure the following:
• Owners and occupants of target housing and child-occupied facilities receive information on LBP hazards before these renovations begin; and
• Individuals performing renovations regulated in accordance with § 745.82 are properly trained; renovators and firms performing these renovations are certified; and the work practices in § 745.85 are followed during these renovations.

Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, §1926.62
Title 29 CFR § 1926.62, sets standards for occupational health and environmental controls for lead exposure in construction, regardless of the lead content of paints and other materials. The standards include requirements addressing exposure assessment, methods of compliance, respiratory protection, protective clothing and equipment, hygiene facilities and practices, medical surveillance, medical removal protection, employee information and training, signs, recordkeeping, and observation and monitoring.

U.S. EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rules The U.S. EPA’s 2008 Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule (as amended in 2010 and 2011), aims to protect the public from LBP hazards associated with renovation, repair, and painting activities. These activities can create hazardous lead dust when surfaces with lead paint, even from many decades ago, are disturbed. The rule requires workers to be certified and trained in the use of lead-safe work practices, and requires renovation, repair, and painting firms to be U.S. EPA-certified. These requirements became fully effective April 22, 2010.

Federal Aviation Administration
The basic responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration, under the U.S. Department of Transportation, are the regulation of civil aviation to promote safety, airspace and air traffic management, and the regulation of commercial space transportation. CFR contains standards for aircraft noise emission levels.

State
Primary state agencies with jurisdiction over public health hazards and hazardous chemical materials management are the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Other state agencies involved in hazardous materials management are the Department of Industrial Relations (California OSHA (CalOSHA) implementation), Office of Emergency Services (Office of Emergency Services–California Accidental Release Prevention Implementation), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), State Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (Proposition 65 implementation), and the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

The enforcement agencies for hazardous materials transportation regulations are the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans. Hazardous materials and waste transporters are responsible for complying with all applicable packaging, labeling, and shipping regulations. South Coast Air Quality Management District

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(SCAQMD) Rules and Regulations pertain to asbestos abatement (including Rule 1403), Construction Safety Orders 1529 (pertaining to asbestos), and 1532.1 (pertaining to lead) from Title 8 of the CCR.

Hazardous chemical and biohazardous materials management laws in California include the following statutes:
• Hazardous Materials Management Act – requires that businesses handling or storing certain amounts of hazardous materials prepare a hazardous materials business plan, which includes an inventory of hazardous materials stored on site (above specified quantities), an emergency response plan, and an employee training program.
• Hazardous Waste Control Act (California Health and Safety Code [HSC], Division 20, Chapter 6.5, Article 2, § 25100, et seq.) – authorizes the DTSC and local certified unified program agencies to regulate facilities that generate or treat hazardous waste. • Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65) – requires the governor to publish and update, at least annually, a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals.
• Hazardous Waste Management Planning and Facility Siting, also known as the Tanner Act (Assembly Bill (AB) 2948, 1986) – requires counties to prepare, for California DTSC approval, hazardous waste management plans, and prescribes specific public participation activities, which must be carried out during the local land use permit process for siting new or expanding off-site commercial treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. • Hazardous Materials Storage and Emergency Response (AB 2185) – requires the immediate reporting to local fire departments and Offices of Emergency Services of any release or threatened release of a hazardous material, regardless of the amount handled by the business. • California Medical Waste Management Act (California HSC, §§ 117600–118360) – establishes procedures for the proper handling, storage, treatment, and transportation of medical waste. • Land Disposal Restrictions (CCR, Chapter 18, Title 22) – set up by Congress in 1984 for the U.S.

EPA, ensures that toxic constituents present in hazardous waste are properly treated before hazardous waste is land disposed.

State regulations and agencies pertaining to hazardous materials management and worker safety are described in the following subsections.

California Environmental Protection Agency
The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) was created in 1991, unifying California’s environmental authority in a single cabinet-level agency and bringing the CARB, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB), California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (known as CalRecyle and formerly the Integrated Waste Management Board), DTSC, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and Department of Pesticide Regulation under one agency. These agencies were placed within the Cal/EPA “umbrella” for the protection of human health and the environment and to ensure the coordinated deployment of state resources. Its mission is

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Department of Toxic Substance Control
The DTSC is a department of Cal/EPA and is the primary agency in California that regulates hazardous waste, clean-up existing contamination, and looks for ways to reduce the hazardous waste produced in California. The DTSC regulates hazardous waste in California primarily under the authority of the federal RCRA and the California HSC (primarily Division 20, Chapters 6.5 through 10.6, and Title 22, Division 4 .5).

Other laws that affect hazardous waste are specific to handling, storage, transportation, disposal, treatment, reduction, clean-up, and emergency planning.

California Government Code (CGC) § 65962.5 (commonly referred to as the Cortese List) includes DTSC- listed hazardous waste facilities and sites, Department of Health Services (DHS) lists of contaminated drinking water wells, sites listed by the SWRCB as having underground storage tank (UST) leaks and which have had a discharge of hazardous wastes or materials into the water or groundwater, and lists from local regulatory agencies of sites that have had a known migration of hazardous waste/material.

State Water Resources Control Board
Brownfields are underutilized properties where reuse is hindered by the actual or suspected presence of pollution or contamination. The SWRCB’s Brownfield Program goals are to:
• Expedite and facilitate site clean-ups and closures for brownfield sites to support reuse of those sites;
• Preserve open space and greenfields;
• Protect groundwater and surface water resources, safeguard public health, and promote environmental justice; and
• Streamline site assessment, clean-up, monitoring, and closure requirements and procedures within the various SWRCB site clean-up programs.

Site clean-up responsibilities for brownfields primarily reside within four main SWRCB programs: the Underground Storage Tank Program; Site Cleanup Program; Department of Defense Program; and the Land Disposal Program. These SWRCB clean-up programs are charged with ensuring sites are remediated to protect California’s surface and groundwater and return them to beneficial uses.

California Government Code Section 65962.5
Pursuant to CGC § 65962.5, environmental regulatory database lists were reviewed to identify and locate properties with known hazardous substance contamination within the proposed Project area (CGC § 65960 et seq.). Four state agencies are required to provide lists of facilities that have contributed, harbor, or are responsible for environmental contamination within their jurisdiction. The four state agencies that are required to provide these lists to the Secretary for Environmental Protection include the DTSC, the State Department for Health Services, the SWRCB, and the California Integrated Waste Management Board. The Secretary for Environmental Protection then takes each of the four-respective

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California Health and Safety Code Section 25501
Cal/EPA has established rules governing the use of hazardous materials and the management of hazardous wastes. California HSC § 25531, et seq. incorporate the requirement of Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act and the Clean Air Act as they pertain to hazardous materials. HSC § 25534 directs owners or operators storing, handling, or using regulated substances exceeding threshold planning quantities to develop and implement a Risk Management Plan. The Risk Management Plans are submitted to the administering agency and possibly U.S. EPA, depending upon the chemical and the amount, for review.

California Occupational Safety and Health Administration CalOSHA is the primary agency responsible for worker safety in the handling and use of chemicals in the workplace. CalOSHA standards are generally more stringent than federal regulations. The employer is required to monitor worker exposure to listed hazardous substances and notify workers of exposure (8 CCR §§ 337–340). The regulations specify requirements for employee training, availability of safety equipment, accident prevention programs, and hazardous substance exposure warnings.

California Hazardous Waste Control Law
The California Hazardous Waste Control Law (California HSC, Division 20, Chapter 6.5) is administered by the CalEPA to regulate the management of hazardous wastes. While the Hazardous Waste Control Law is generally more stringent than the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, until the EPA approves the California hazardous waste control program (which is charged with regulating the generation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste), both the state and federal laws apply in California. The Hazardous Waste Control Law lists 791 chemicals and approximately 300 common materials that may be hazardous; establishes criteria for identifying, packaging, and labeling hazardous wastes; prescribes management controls; establishes permit requirements for treatment, storage, disposal, and transportation; and identifies some wastes that cannot be disposed of in landfills.

California Accidental Release Prevention Program
Similar to the Federal Risk Management Program, the California Accidental Release Prevention Program includes additional state requirements as well as an additional list of regulated substances and thresholds.

The regulations of the program are contained in CCR Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.5. The intent of California Accidental Release Prevention Program is to prevent accidental releases of substances that can cause serious harm to the public and the environment, to minimize the damage if releases do occur, and to satisfy community right-to-know laws.

California Health and Safety Code
The handling and storage of hazardous materials are regulated by Division 20, Chapter 6.95 of the California HSC. Under §§ 25500–25543.3, facilities handling hazardous materials are required to prepare a hazardous materials business plan (HMBP). HMBPs contain basic information on the location, type,

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In addition, in the event that a facility stores a quantity of specific acutely hazardous materials above the thresholds set forth by California code, facilities are also required to prepare a risk management plan and California Accidental Release Plan. The risk management plan and California Accidental Release Plan provide information on the potential impact zone of a worst-case release and require plans and programs designed to minimize the probability of a release and mitigate potential impacts (California HSC, Chapter 6.95).

Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory Law The Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory Law (HSC § 25500 et seq.), aims to minimize the potential for accidents involving hazardous materials and to facilitate an appropriate response to possible hazardous materials emergencies. The law requires businesses that use hazardous materials to provide inventories of those materials to designated emergency response agencies, to illustrate on a diagram where the materials are stored on-site, to prepare an emergency response plan, and to train employees to use the materials safely. Any business that handles hazardous materials in quantities equal to or greater than 55 gallons, 500 pounds, or 200 cubic feet of gas must submit a business plan.

Hazardous Materials Transportation
Section 31303 of the California Vehicle Code and U.S. Department of Transportation regulate hazardous materials transport. The California Highway Patrol and California Department of Transportation are the enforcement agencies. Cal OES provides emergency response services involving hazardous materials incidents.

Worker and Workplace Hazardous Materials Safety
The Cal/OSHA is responsible for developing and enforcing workplace safety standards and ensuring worker safety in the handling and use of hazardous materials. Among other requirements, Cal/OSHA obligates many businesses to prepare Injury and Illness Prevention Plans and Chemical Hygiene Plans. The Hazard Communication Standard requires that workers be informed of the hazards associated with the materials they handle.

Hazardous Materials in Structures: Asbestos-Containing Materials and Lead-Based Paint Several regulations and guidelines pertain to abatement of and protection from exposure to ACM and LBP, including Construction Safety Orders 1529 (pertaining to ACM) and § 1532.1 (pertaining to LBP) from Title 8 of the CCR and Part 61, Subpart M, of the CFR (pertaining to ACM). In California, ACM and LBP abatement must be performed and monitored by contractors with appropriate certification from the California DHS. Asbestos is also regulated as a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act and a potential worker safety hazard under the authority of Cal/OSHA.

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April 2022 4.8-13 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials Requirements for limiting asbestos emissions from building demolition and renovation are specified in SCAQMD Rule 1403 (Asbestos Emissions from Demolition/Renovation Activities). CGC §§ 1529 and 1532.1 provide for exposure limits, exposure monitoring, respiratory protection and good working practice by workers exposed to lead and ACMs.

Requirements for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments Phase I ESAs are required for land purchasers to qualify for the Innocent Landowner Defense under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), to minimize environmental liability under other laws such as RCRA, and as a lender prerequisite to extend a loan for purchase of land.

Certified Unified Program Agency
A CUPA is an agency of a county or city that administers several state programs regulating hazardous materials and hazardous wastes. Riverside County Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Branch is the CUPA for all incorporated cities and towns and unincorporated areas.

Riverside County Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Branch administers the following HazMat programs:
• California Accidental Release Prevention Program
• Underground Storage Tanks
• Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tanks
• Waste Generator
• Waste Treatment (Tiered)
• Hazardous Materials Business Plan
• Emergency Response Team
California Health and Safety Code, §§ 17920.10 and 105255 Lead must be contained during demolition activities.
8 CCR Sections 1529 and 1532.1: Worker Safety Standards: Asbestos and Lead CCR Title 8 § 1529 sets forth worker safety standards for lead exposure for employees conducting demolition, construction, and renovation work, including painting and decorating.

CCR Title 8 § 1532.1 sets forth worker safety standards for employees in work including construction, demolition, renovation, and maintenance.

California Aeronautics Act
The State Aeronautics Act included in the California Public Utilities Code establishes statewide requirements for airport land use compatibility planning and requires nearly every county to create an

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April 2022 4.8-14 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) or other alternative. San Bernardino County opted for an alternative to the ALUC and delegated responsibility to prepare an ALUCP for each airport jurisdiction.

California Airport Land Use Compatibility Planning Handbook The California Airport Land Use Compatibility Planning Handbook provides planning guidance to ALUCs and counties and cities with jurisdiction over airport area land uses. The purpose of the handbook is to support the State Aeronautics Act. The handbook allows jurisdictions flexibility in determining air safety zones that represent areas of assumed accident potential.

Regional
Regional Water Quality Control Board
The RWQCB is a department of Cal/EPA that oversees investigation and clean-up of sites including USTs where wastes have been discharged in order to protect the water quality of the state. The RWQCB regulates wastewater discharges to surface waters and to groundwater. They also regulate storm water discharges from construction, industrial, and municipal activities.

SCAQMD Rule 1403 governs the demolition of buildings containing asbestos materials. Rule 1403 specifies work practices with the goal of minimizing asbestos emissions during building demolition and renovation activities, including the removal and associated disturbance of ACM.

Local
At the local level, Riverside County provides for enforcement and monitoring of federal and State regulations addressing hazardous materials/hazardous wastes activities and management. The following County Ordinances provide the primary means for implementing applicable federal and State policies.

Ordinance No. 615.3
This Ordinance designates the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health as the local enforcement agency responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of the California HSC, Chapter 6.5, Division 20, §§ 25100 et seq., and the Environmental Health Standards for the Management of Hazardous Waste as specified in Title 22 of the CCR, Division 4.5 related to the generation, storage, handling, disposal, treatment, and recycling of hazardous waste.

Ordinance No. 718.1
This Ordinance implements a local medical waste management program in accordance with the Medical Waste Management Act, as found in the California HSC, Division 14, Part 14. The Ordinance establishes requirements for the management of medical waste and makes provisions for the enforcement thereof.

County of Riverside Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan The City of Beaumont is a participating jurisdiction in the Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The HMP identifies the county’s hazards, reviews and assesses past disaster

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April 2022 4.8-15 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials occurrences, estimates the probability of future occurrences, and sets goals to mitigate potential risks to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural and man-made hazards for the County and Operational Area member jurisdictions, including the City Beaumont. (Riverside County HMP, p. 4.)
Beaumont Drainage Management Plan
In accordance with the requirements of the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Beaumont- Cherry Valley Water District adopted a 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. The purpose of this plan is to analyze drainage problems in Beaumont and consider flood protection for existing and future development. Additionally, the plan aims to provide guidance on reducing levels of pollutants within stormwater runoff and increasing public awareness of water quality problems. (Beaumont 2040 Plan, p. 223.)
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) provides flood control facilities planning, design, operation, and maintenance within the City limits. The District’s Master Drainage Plan for the Beaumont Area analyzes drainage issues in Beaumont and provides solutions for drainage issues within the plan area. The Plan also describes the location, size, and capacity of flood control facilities that are needed for current development and anticipated growth. (Beaumont 2040 Plan, p. 223.)
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) was last updated in 2017. The LHMP’s purpose is to identify potential City hazards, review and assess past disaster occurrences, estimate the probability of future occurrences, and set goals to mitigate potential risks to reduce or eliminate long-term damage to people and property from natural and man-made hazards. The plan identifies vulnerabilities, prioritizes mitigation actions, evaluates resources and identifies mitigation shortcomings, provides future mitigation planning, and maintenance guidelines for the existing plan. Mitigation strategies included in the LHMP will serve as the implementation plan for the Beaumont 2040 Plan Safety Element. Under AB 2140, cities may adopt their LHMP into their Safety Elements in order to ensure eligibility for potential reimbursement of post-disaster public assistance. (Beaumont 2040 Plan, p. 222.) Beaumont Municipal Code
The following chapters of the Beaumont Municipal Code (MC) address hazards and hazardous materials.

Title 2 – Administration and Personnel, Chapter 2.28 – Emergency Services Section 2.28.010 of the Beaumont MC states that is the intent of this chapter that informal mutual aid shall be available and furnished in all cases of local peril or emergency when requested by appropriate agency designates. The official who may proclaim a local emergency is the City Manager. In the absence of the City Manager, the City Police Chief or designated agent, Emergency Services Director, or designated agent, and/or the Mayor, Mayor Pro tem, or other Council member designated.

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April 2022 4.8-16 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials Title 3 – Revenue and Finance, Chapter 3.36 – Emergency Preparedness Facilities Fees Beaumont MC Chapter 3.36 establishes the collection of an impact feet to be levied on new development within the City to fund Emergency Preparedness Centers to accommodate expected growth in the City.

As defined in Beaumont MC § 3.36.020, Emergency Preparedness Centers means those improvements necessary to provide those facilities identified in the City of Beaumont General Plan, the City's Multi-hazard Functional Plan and the Emergency Preparedness Facilities Fee Study dated January 26, 2001, and other improvements in connection therewith, as may be determined by the City Council from time to time, which are not otherwise provided by, or required of, development within the City pursuant to Beaumont MC Title 17 (Zoning), Title 16 (Subdivisions), and Title 15 (Building and Construction). Emergency Preparedness Centers shall also include architectural, administrative, engineering, legal, planning, environmental and other services required in connection with the implementation of this Chapter and the construction of the foregoing improvements.

The Emergency Preparedness Facilities Fee is collected prior to the issuance of a building permit for a new residential unit (including the conversion of an existing unit to more than one unit), new commercial, office, and industrial development, and additions to existing commercial, office, and industrial development greater than 200 gross square feet. The fees collected shall be used for the purpose of acquiring and construction facilities identified by the City Council in the Master Plan or facilities included in the City’s capital improvement plan. (Beaumont MC, §§ 3.36.020, 3.36.080.) Title 17 – Zoning, Chapter 17.04 – Performance Standards Beaumont MC § 17.04.040 (Hazardous Materials), states that in order to protect the health and welfare of persons living, working, or visiting the City of Beaumont the use, storage, manufacture, or disposal of hazardous material shall be regulated and monitored according to the standards established by the US EPA, the California DHS, and Beaumont MC § 17.04.040.

Beaumont MC § 17.04.040A requires preparation of a risk management and prevention program in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code, in addition to an inventory statement in accordance with federal, state, and local laws for all structures and land uses using materials identified as hazardous by the State of California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA) and the U.S. EPA.

Beaumont MC § 17.04.040B, requires compliance with all applicable ordinances in order to use and/or store of flammable or explosive materials. This section of the Beaumont MC also prohibits open burning unless a written permit has been issued by the appropriate responsible agency.

Beaumont MC § 17.04.040C, prohibits the discharge of liquid or solid waste or similar material that contaminates the water supply, or interferes with the bacterial processes in sewage treatment or otherwise causes the emission of dangerous or offensive elements into the public sewer or private disposal system, except in accordance with the applicable requirements of the U.S. EPA.

Beaumont MC § 17.04.040D, prohibits the emission of dangerous levels of radioactivity at any time. The term dangerous levels correspond to the applicable Federal and/or State standards for exposure.

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April 2022 4.8-17 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials City of Beaumont 2040 General Plan
Safety Element
As required by State law (CGC § 65302(g)), the Safety Element identifies forces of nature and events resulting from human action that have the potential to cause harm to life and property. The goal of the Safety Element is to reduce the potential short and long-term risk of death, injuries, property damage, and economic and social dislocation resulting from fires, floods, droughts, earthquakes, landslides, climate change, and other hazards. The Safety Element of the Beaumont General Plan includes goals and policies that will be applied to the Project related to hazards and hazardous materials. The applicable goals and policies are listed below:

Goal 9.3: A City that provides effective emergency response following a natural or human- caused disaster.

Policy 9.3.1 Ensure that the City’s Emergency Operations Plan is regularly updated to be compatible with Federal, State and local emergency requirements and latest FEMA Best Practices.

Policy 9.3.5 Maintain emergency procedures for the evacuation and control of population in identified flood hazard areas in accordance with Section 8589.5 of the California Government Code.

Goal 9.4: A City that is protected from the effects of natural and manmade disasters.

Policy 9.4.2 Conduct a community risk assessment or hazard profile in partnership with fire crews, community members, and city staff to identify specific target hazards, including critical facilities, community assets, and historical buildings.

Goal 9.6: A City that protects human life, land, and property from the effects of wildland fire hazards.

Policy 9.6.3 Ensure that development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones minimizes the risks of wildfire through planning and design of structures in accordance with the California Building Code Chapter 7A. Ensure adequate provisions for vegetation management, emergency access, and firefighting.

Goal 9.11: A City with minimized risk associated with hazardous materials.

Policy 9.11.1 Require all users, generators, and transporters of hazardous materials and wastes to provide and maintain an updated inventory of hazardous waste and materials, associated handling procedures, and clean-up response plans.

Policy 9.11.2 Require an assessment of hazardous materials use as part of environmental review and/or include approval of the development of a hazardous management and disposal plan, as a condition of a project, subject to review by the County Environmental Health Department.

Policy 9.11.3 Work with responsible Federal, State, and County agencies to effectively regulate the management, disposal, and appropriate remediation for accidental spills of hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

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April 2022 4.8-18 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials Policy 9.11.6 Establish clear policies and procedures in the event of a hazardous contamination.

Recommend and offer trainings to private sector companies.

Policy 9.11.7 Coordinate with regulatory agencies regarding remnant safety hazards and future utilization of contaminated sites within Potrero Reserve and elsewhere in the City.

Policy 9.11.8 Adopt ordinances that reduce the level of risk from hazardous materials, hazardous waste, infectious waste, and radioactive materials to the public, industries, and businesses.

Policy 9.11.9 Promote proper hazardous waste disposal by hosting regular bi-annual or quarterly collection events.

Policy 11.11.3 Protect the health of the citizens by careful consideration of uses eliminate or reduce odors, toxins, or other hazardous discharges.

4.8.4 Impact Thresholds and Significance Criteria
State CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G contains the Environmental Checklist Form, which includes questions concerning hazards and hazardous materials. The questions presented in the Environmental Checklist Form have been utilized as significance criteria in this section. Accordingly, the Project would have a significant effect on the environment if it would:
• Create a significant hazard to the public or the environmental through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials;
• Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment; • Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school; • Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment;
• For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area; • Impair implementation of or physically interfere within an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan; or
• Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires.

Methodology and Assumptions
The proposed Project is evaluated against the aforementioned significance criteria as the basis for determining the level of impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials. This analysis considers existing regulations, laws and standards that serve to avoid or reduce potential environmental impacts.

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April 2022 4.8-19 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials Where significant impacts remain, feasible mitigation measures are recommended, where warranted, to avoid or lessen the Project’s significant adverse impacts.

4.8.5 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Impact 4.8-1 Would the Project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
Construction
During Project construction, potentially hazardous materials would be handled and used on-site. These materials would include gasoline, diesel fuel, lubricants, and other petroleum-based products used to operate and maintain machinery. Handling of these potentially hazardous materials would be temporary and would coincide with the short-term construction phase. Although some of these materials would be stored on-site, storage would be required to comply with the guidelines established by the manufacturer’s recommendations. Consistent with federal, state, and local requirements, transport, removal, and disposal of hazardous materials from the Project site would be conducted by a permitted and licensed service provider. Any handling, transport, use, or disposal would comply with all applicable federal, state, and local agencies and regulations, including the U.S. EPA, the California DTSC, the CalOSHA, Caltrans, the RCRA, and the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Branch (the CUPA for Riverside County).

Operations
Operations of the proposed Project would not represent a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Properly removing and disposing of on-site hazardous materials in accordance with State and federal regulations before they are incidentally contacted can reduce impacts associated with these hazards. Additionally, any potentially hazardous material handled on the Project site would be limited in both quantity and concentrations, consistent with other similar industrial uses located in the City, and any handling, transport, use, and disposal would comply with applicable federal, state, and local agencies and regulations. Furthermore, as mandated by the OSHA, all hazardous materials stored on the Project site would be accompanied by a Material Safety Data Sheet, which would inform employees and first responders as to the necessary remediation procedures in the case of accidental release. In addition, and if applicable, future operations would include a hazardous materials business plan (HMBP) in accordance with §§ 25500–25543.3 of the Health and Safety Code. The Riverside County Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Disclosure program governs the creation and maintenance of a HMBP. The information from the HMBP is made available to first responders in the county for emergency response activities. All handlers are required to disclose their inventory of hazardous materials in the form of a HMBP. The chemical inventory and HMBP must now be reported electronically.

Compliance with existing regulations would be sufficient to reduce potential impacts to a less than significant. Additionally, the Project would require various outdoor landscape maintenance activities.

These demands would include the storage of, and periodic application of pesticides, herbicides, and

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April 2022 4.8-20 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials fertilizers. If equipment needed for landscaping are used and housed on-site, the Project may require the storage and of fuels and solvents on-site. Use of this type of equipment and listed materials are common to such facilities and compliance with existing regulations regarding their use would be sufficient to reduce potential impacts to a less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is necessary.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact.

Impact 4.8-2 Would the Project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?
Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
Construction
The construction of new developments could result in hazards to the public or the environment through the accidental upset or release of hazardous materials caused by accidental spillage of hazardous materials used during the construction phases of the Project, or as a result of the exposure of contaminated soil during grading activities. The Phase I ESA for the Project site evaluated the potential for hazardous materials, based upon readily discernible and/or documented present and historic uses of the properties and uses adjoining the sites and generally characterized the expected nature of hazardous materials that may be present as a result of such uses.

The Project site is not listed on an NPL or Superfund site, however the site was identified on the Historical HIST UST and SWEEPS UST databases at the site address 37251 Cherry Valley Boulevard under Sunny-Cal Egg & Poultry Co for having historically one 550-gallon diesel UST, one 8,000-gallon diesel UST and one 1,000-gallon unleaded gasoline UST, installed between 1978 and 1979. The removal date of the USTs is unknown. Based on the lack of UST removal and closure documents, the historical USTs are considered evidence of a REC in connection with the site, resulting in a potentially significant impact. A request to the County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health has been submitted for closure records. Their response is currently pending at the time of this report and is expected the week of March 22. The report will be updated pending the receipt of the records.

Operations
Project operations would involve the routine transport, use, and storage of materials/chemicals typical of industrial facilities. Use of these materials could create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. However, as discussed in Impact 4.8-1 above, the routine transport, use, and disposal of these materials during Project operations must adhere to federal, State, and local regulations for transport, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances. The Project would also be subject to compliance with the regulatory framework which would ensure that Project

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April 2022 4.8-21 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials operations would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. A less than significant impact would occur in this regard.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Level of Significance
Less Than significant impact.

Impact 4.8-3 Would the Project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
As stated previously, some hazardous substances and materials would be stored, used, and generated on the Project site during construction and operation. These substances include fuels for construction equipment and vehicles, motor oil, cleaning solvents, paints, and storage containers and applicators containing suck materials. However, use of these materials would be limited to the Project site, are not considered acutely hazardous, and do not have the potential to impact any schools. The proposed Project, however, would not affect any nearby schools as there are no schools are located within one-quarter mile of the Project site. The nearest school to the Project site is the Tournament Hills Elementary located at 36611 Champions Drive, approximately 0.9 miles to the southwest. The proposed Project would be required to adhere to all applicable regulations as noted in Impact 4.8-1. A less than significant impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact.

Impact 4.8-4 Would the project be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials Project sites compiled pursuant to Government Code §65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated Construction and Operations
Consistent with ASTM International E1527-13, environmental databases and records were reviewed during preparation of the Phase I ESA to determine whether the Project site or surrounding properties are included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to CGC § 65962.5 (“Cortese” list). This records search concluded that the Project site is not included on the Cortese list.

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April 2022 4.8-22 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials The Phase I ESA analyzed the site for Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), Controlled RECs (CREC) or Historical Recs (HRECs). The Vertex Phase I ESA (April 20, 2021) did not find any evidence of RECs associated with the past and current use of the site; except for the following:
• The site was identified on the Historical UST (HIST UST) and Statewide Evaluation and Planning System UST (SWEEPS UST) databases at the site address 37251 Cherry Valley Boulevard under Sunny-Cal Egg & Poultry Co for having historically one 550-gallon diesel UST, one 8,000-gallon diesel UST and one 1,000-gallon unleaded gasoline UST, installed between 1978 and 1979.

As part of the Phase I ESA research, VERTEX submitted a public records request to the County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health – Hazardous Materials Certified Unified Program Agency for the site parcels on March 12, 2021. The records provided indicate the following:
• One 10,000-gallon double walled steel UST
• One 1,000-gallon double-walled steel UST
• One 550- gallon double walled steel UST
The research revealed that these USTs were removed from the site in January 1994. Confirmation sampling indicated relatively low concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons as diesel, as gasoline, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes were detected below the USTs. On September 20, 1994, the County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health granted “no further action” for the removed USTs which included the following statement: “Additionally, be advised that changes in the present or proposed use of the site may require further site characterization and mitigation activity. It is the property owner’s responsibility to notify this agency of any changes in report content, future contamination findings, or site usage.” Findings revealed that available materials did not indicate if excavated soil was disposed off-site or re-used to backfill the UST excavations. Based on this information and the conditions indicated in the “no further action letter,” the former USTs represent a CREC in connection with the Project site.

Additionally, a 1994 Phase I ESA conducted for the site is referenced in this VERTEX Phase I for the proposed Project. Based on the findings of a 1994 Phase I ESA, a Phase II subsurface investigation was also conducted which did not find methane in subsurface soil gas. The Phase II ESA findings included the following:

1. No gasoline range hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in any of the samples that were analyzed. Only one of the six samples analyzed had detectable levels of diesel range hydrocarbons with a value of 130 mg/kg. The concentration of the various metals detected in the samples are consistent with typical background levels and do not exceed any State or Federal action level.

2. VOCs were not detected in the soil sample that was collected from the "processing area."

3. Pesticides were not detected in any of the 18 soil samples that were collected from the retention pond/manure spreading areas.

4. Pesticides and herbicides were not detected in any of the 17 soil samples that were collected from the pesticide/chemical storage and chicken coop areas.

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April 2022 4.8-23 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials The Phase I ESA found that the current 2019 Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Residential Environmental Screening Level (ESL) for petroleum hydrocarbons as diesel is 260 mg/kg and 1,200 mg/kg for Commercial/ Industrial use. Based on this information, the detection of diesel at 130 mg/kg represents a de minimis condition and not a REC.

Also, based on review of readily available historical information, the site is located in a rural and residential area. No HRECs were identified with respect to the historical surrounding property uses.

Several facilities were identified within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) search distances of the site. Based on distance, apparent gradient relationship, regulatory status, and/or other facility-specific characteristics, no RECs to the site were identified with respect to these facilities.

Conclusions
The Phase I ESA performed in conformance with the scope and limitations of ASTM E 1527-13, Standard Practice for ESAs concluded that no evidence of RECs, CREC or HRECs in connection with the site, except for the following:
• Based on the reported contamination and the conditions indicated in the no further action letter, the former USTs represent a CREC in connection with the site. However, Mitigation Measure (MM) HAZ-1 is recommended.

The Project does not include any RECs and is not part of the Cortese List. Additionally, with implementation of MM HAZ-1, the Project create a less than significant impact regarding the creation of a significant hazard to the public or the environment.

Mitigation Measures
MM HAZ-1 The Applicant shall prepare a Soil Management Plan prior to the redevelopment of the site.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated.

Impact 4.8-5 For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area?
Level of Significance: No Impact
Construction and Operations
The Project site is not within two miles of a public airport or public use airport; therefore, the Project would not result in a safety hazard for the people residing or working in the area. The nearest airstrip is the Banning Municipal Airport in Banning located approximately 9.5 miles east of the Project site.

Furthermore, the proposed Project does not include any towers or tall structures that would result in a safety hazard. According to the Specific Plan, Planning Area 1 buildings are subject to a 60 feet maximum

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April 2022 4.8-24 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials height and Planning Area 2 buildings are subject to a 50 feet maximum height. Refer to Section 4.11, Noise, for impacts related to excessive noise. No impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Level of Significance
No impact.

Impact 4.8-6 Would the Project impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
Constructions and Operations
The proposed Project shall comply with the City’s adopted Multi-Hazard Functional Plan. The developer is required to design, construct, and maintain structures, roadways, and facilities to comply with the applicable federal, state, and local requirements related to emergency access and evacuation plans. The proposed plan will be reviewed and approved by the fire marshal during the plan review. Through compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, a less than significant impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is necessary.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact.

Impact 4.8-7 Would the project expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires? Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
The majority of surrounding areas have been previously disturbed with residential or industrial developments or other areas that are highly disturbed from off-road activity. The area to the north of the Project site, Cherry Valley Boulevard, has been previously cleared and is undergoing grading operations (San Gorgonio Crossing Project). The area to the east of the Project site contains residential development, agricultural and undeveloped land. To the south of the Project site, Brookside Avenue, is followed by undeveloped land, and residential development. To the west of the Project site is undeveloped land and Interstate 10. Although these areas and the Project site are surrounded by developed areas and undeveloped areas, they are designated as a moderate fire hazard severity zone.

While the Project site is located in an area with vegetation that can be prone to fire, due to the presence of surrounding development, non-contiguous nature of the existing undeveloped areas, presence of area roadways, and concrete construction of development, it is not likely to be affected by a wildfire during

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April 2022 4.8-25 4.8 | Hazards and Hazardous Materials construction or operations. In addition, the undeveloped area to the north would be separated from the Project area by parking, the drive isle, and landscaping. This buffer would ensure an appropriate width to reduce the risk of potential fire hazards. Lastly, the Project site would be in accordance with the 2019 California Building Code Chapter 7A which would require the use of fire-resistant building materials and fire sprinklers. It is anticipated that these design elements would reduce exposure of the Project site to wildfire. Therefore, although the surrounding areas could experience a fire, because of the above-listed factors, impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is necessary.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact.

4.8.6 Cumulative Impacts
For purposes of hazardous materials impact analysis, cumulative impacts are considered for cumulative development in the general Project vicinity, a one-mile radius. Impacts associated with hazardous materials are often site-specific and localized. The Draft EIR evaluates environmental hazards in connection with the Project site and surrounding area. Regarding the off-site environmental hazards, the database search documents the findings of various governmental database searches regarding properties with known or suspected releases of hazardous materials within a search radius of up to one mile from the site and serves as the basis for defining the cumulative impacts study area.

The Project site is currently vacant. Database record searches reveal that the site does not contain any current USTs or hazardous clean-up sites. Historical aerial photo review shows the Project site has been mostly undeveloped, with only a few small structures or trailers on the site.

Cumulative impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials would result from projects that combine to increase exposure to hazards and hazardous materials. The potential for cumulative impacts to occur is limited since the impacts from hazardous materials use on site are site-specific. Although some of the cumulative projects and other future projects associated with buildout of the surrounding communities also have potential impacts associated with hazardous materials, the environmental concerns associated with hazardous materials are typically site specific. As with the proposed Project, future development within the area must comply with all federal, State, and local statutes and regulations applicable to hazardous materials.

Each project is required to address any issues related to hazardous materials or wastes on a project- specific basis. With adherence to applicable federal, State, and local regulations governing hazardous materials, the potential risks associated with hazardous materials would be less than significant. The incremental effects of the proposed Project related to hazards and hazardous materials, if any, are anticipated to be minimal, and any effects would be site-specific. Therefore, considering the above, Project impacts would be reduced to less than significant levels through compliance of applicable federal, State, and local requirements, policies, and regulations.

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4.8.7 Significant Unavoidable Impacts
No significant unavoidable impacts have been identified.

4.8.8 References
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. (2021). The Vertex Companies, Inc. Beaumont, CA

NEIGHBORHOODCOMMERCIAL /SINGLE FAMILYRESIDENTIAL USES/OPEN SPACEScatteredsingle‐familyresidences zonedAgriculture (A‐1‐1)and residential(R‐A‐1) in the Countyof Riverside.Cherry ValleyBoulevard withplanned industrialuses zoned Industrial(I‐P) and DannyThomas Ranch beyondin the County ofRiverside.NEIGHBORHOODCOMMERCIAL /SINGLE FAMILYRESIDENTIAL USES/ OPEN SPACEVacant propertyzoned forResidential(R‐A‐1) andCommercial(C‐P‐S) in theCounty ofRiverside.Exhibit 4.8-1: Project VicinityBeaumont Summit Station Specific Plan EIRCity of BeaumontNot to scalePage 1908 of 2513

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April 2022 4.9 -1 4.9 | Hydrology and Water Quality

4.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY

4.9.1 Introduction
The purpose of this section is to describe the hydrologic resources available to the proposed Project while assessing the potential impact the Project could have on those resources. The pre -development conditions of the water and drainage systems surrounding the proposed Project area were used as a bas eline with which to compare potential impacts associated with the Project and will inform the degree of impact that the proposed Project could have on those existing hydrologic systems. Federal, State, regional, and local regulations will provide further c ontext regarding the area’s hydrologic resources.

Impacts in this section are assessed regarding their effects on water quality, groundwater availability, and other hydrological conditions of the area. The analysis also considers the proposed Project’s pot ential effects in flood, tsunami, and seiche zones.

Information used in the preparation of this section includes the following:
• Results for Infiltration Testing (Southern California Geotechnical, 2021); • Beaumont Summit Station TPM 38223 Preliminary Drainage Study (Webb, 2021); • Project Specific Water Quality Management Plan Beaumont Summit Station - Building 1 (Webb, 2021);
• Project Specific Water Quality Management Plan Beaumont Summit Station - Building 2 (Webb, 2021); and
• Project Specific Water Quality M anagement Plan Beaumont Summit Station- Building 3 (Webb, 2021).

The reports are summarized in this section and included in their entirety in Appendix H. In addition, a Water Supply Assessment (WSA) was prepared for the Project in November 2021, by Albert A. Webb and Associates included as Appendix I.

4.9.2 Environmental Setting
Existing Conditions
Hydrology
The United States is divided into successively smaller hydrological areas, or units, which are then nested within each other. These regions are labeled from largest to smallest as regions (HUC 2), subregions (HUC 4), basins (HUC 6), subbasins (HUC 8), watersheds (HUC 10), and subwatersheds (HUC 12).1 Hydrological unit boundaries of each designation are delineated based on surface features of their geographic locations. The proposed Project would be located within the Santa Ana River watershed. The

1 United States Geological Survey. (2013). Federal Standards and Procedures for the National Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD). Pages 14 and 19. Reston, Virginia: United States Geological Survey.

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Project site is in the sub-watershed of San Timoteo Canyon-San Timoteo Wash.2 Each watershed is classified with a Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) of HUC 8, HUC 10, and HUC 12, respectively.

The Santa Ana subbasin is the largest watershed in Southern California. The su bbasin is home to over six million people and covers an approximately 2,700 -square mile area of Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties. The Santa Ana watershed drains into the Santa Ana River, allowing the river to flow 100 miles from the crest of San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, near Huntington Beach.3 Precipitation frequency data for the Project area was retrieved from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Atlas 14 (Beaumont, California area). The National Weather Service data indicated that in 2020, the Project area experienced lower than normal precipitation of 10 to 15 inches .4 The Project site varies in elevation from 2554 to 2419 (NAVD88 datum). The general drainage pattern for the site is characterized by sheet flow to the southwest. There is an existing steep slope along the southwestern boundary of the Project site which conveys runoff from the site into a vegetated streambed that runs northwest. A portion of the eastern and southern area s of the Project site drain south, where the streambed parallels Brookside Avenue. Most of the Project site drains southwest into the same streambed, further downstream. The streambed eventually enters an existing concrete ditch along Calimesa Boulevard to the northwest of the Project site.

Groundwater
Per the Geotechnical Investigation conducted for the proposed Project, groundwater was not encountered during explorations drilled to a maximum depth of 50 feet below ground level at the time of the study. T he report further indicates that groundwater is deeper than 400 feet below ground surface, referencing published data by the California Department of Water Resources.5 Flood Hazard
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) shows the Project site being covered by one map panel, 06065C0785G (effective 8/28/2008). No part of the Project site is within a FEMA-mapped special flood hazard area. The entirety of the Project site is classified as Zone X, an area noted as having a minimal flood hazard. In addition, there are no dams, reservoirs, or large water bodies near the Project site.

Water Quality
The amount of pollutants in the surface runoff is determined by the quantity of a material in the environment and its characteristics . In an urban environment, the quantity of certain pollutants in the stormwater systems is generally associated with the intensity of the land use. The San Timoteo Creek

2 Caltrans (2021). Water Quality Planning Tool. Retrieved from: http://svctenvims.dot.ca.gov/wqpt/wqpt.aspx . 3 United States Geological Survey. (2016). California Water Science Center – Santa Ana Basin, National Water Quality Assessment Program:

Study Unit Description. Retrieved from: https://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects/sana_nawqa/env_set.html 4 National Weather Service. (2020). Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. Retrieved from: AHPS Precipitation Analysis (weather.gov)1&time_frame=year2date&time_type=year&units=eng&zoom=14&domain=current 5 Southern California Geotechnical. (2021). Geotechnical Investigation Proposed E-Commerce Development Cherry Valley Avenue, West of Fabian lane, Beaumont, California.

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Reach 3 (Yucaipa Creek to Headwaters) is listed on the 303(d) list for impaired waterbodies for indicator bacteria.6

4.9.3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
Federal Clean Water Act
The proposed Project would be subject t o federal permit requirements under the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). The primary goals of the CWA are to maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters and to make all surface waters fishable and swimmable. The CWA forms the basic national framework for the management of water quality and the control of pollution discharges; it provides the legal framework for several water quality regulations, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), effluent limitations, water quality standards, pretreatment standards, antidegradation policy, nonpoint -source discharge programs, and wetlands protection. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has delegated the administrative responsibility for portions of the CWA to State and regional agencies. In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) administers the NPDES permitting program and is responsible for developing NPDES permitting requirements. The SWRCB works in coordination wi th the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) to preserve, protect, enhance, and restore water quality.

Under the NPDES permit program, the EPA establishes regulations for discharging stormwater by municipal and industrial facilities and construction activities. Section 402 of the CWA prohibits the discharge of pollutants to “Waters of the United States” from any point source unless the discharge is in compliance with an NPDES Permit.

The Anti-degradation Policy under EPA's Water Quality Standards R egulations (48 F.R. 51400, 40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR ] 131.12, November 8, 1983), requires states and tribes to establish a three -tiered anti-degradation program to prevent a decrease in water quality standards. • Tier 1—Maintains and protects existing uses and water quality conditions that support such uses.

Tier 1 is applicable to all surface waters.
• Tier 2—Maintains and protects “high quality” waters where existing conditions are better than necessary to support “fishable/swimmable” waters. Water quality can be lowered in such waters but not to the point at which it would interfere with existing or designed uses. • Tier 3—Maintains and protects water quality in outstanding national resource waters (ONRWs).

Water quality cannot be lowered in such waters except for certain temporary changes.

Anti-degradation was explicitly incorporated into the federal CWA through 1987 amendments, codified in § 303(d)(4)(B), requiring satisfaction of anti-degradation requirements before making certain changes in NPDES permits.

6 Caltrans (2021). Water Quality Planning Tool. Retrieved from: http://svctenvims.dot.ca.gov/wqpt/wqpt.aspx .

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Section 303(d) of the CWA requires the SWRCB to list impaired water bodies that are too polluted or otherwise degraded to meet the water quality standards set by states, territories, or authorized tribes.

The law requires that these jurisdictions establish priority rankings for waters on the lists and develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for these waters.

Section 404 of the CWA is administered and enforced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Section 404 establishes a program to regulate the discharge of dredged and fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands and coastal areas below the mean high tide. USACE administers the day- to-day program, and reviews and considers individual permit decisions and jurisdictional determinations.

USACE also develops policy and guidance and enforces Section 404 provisions.

State
California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Porter-Cologne Act) The Porter-Cologne Act (California Water Code § 13000 et seq) is the principal law governing water quality regulation in California. It established a comprehensive program to protect water quality and the beneficial uses of water. The Porter -Cologne Act applies to surface waters, wetlands, and groundwater and to both point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Pursuant to the Porter -Cologne Act the policy of the State is as follows:
• That the quality of all the waters of the State shall be protected, • That all activities and factors affecting the quality of wa ter shall be regulated to attain the highest water quality within reason, and
• That the State must be prepared to exercise its full power and jurisdiction to protect the quality of water in the State from degradation.

The Porter-Cologne Act established nine RWQCB’s (based on hydrogeologic barriers) and the SWR CB, which are charged with implementing its provisions and which have primary responsibility for protecting water quality in California. The State Water Board provides program guidance and oversight, a llocates funds, and reviews Regional Water Board decisions. In addition, the State Water Board allocates rights to the use of surface water. The Regional Water Boards have primary responsibility for individual permitting, inspection, and enforcement actions within each of nine hydrology regions. The State Water Board and Regional Water Boards have numerous nonpoint source pollution (NPS)-related responsibilities, including monitoring and assessment, planning, financial assistance, and management.

The Regional Water Boards regulate discharges under the Porter -Cologne Act primarily through issuance of NPDES permits for point source discharges and waste discharge requirements (WDRs) for NPS discharges. Anyone discharging or proposing to discharge materials that could affect water quality (other than to a community sanitary sewer system regulated by an NPDES permit) must file a report of waste discharge. The SWRCB and the RWQCBs can make their own investigations or may require dischargers to carry out water quality investigations and report on water quality issues. The Porter -Cologne Act provides several options for enforcing WDRs and other orders, including cease and desist orders, clean -up and abatement orders, administrative civil liability orders, civil court actions, and criminal prosecutions.

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The Porter-Cologne Act also implements many provisions of the CWA, such as the NPDES permitting program. Section 401 of the CWA gives the State Water Board the authority to review any proposed federally permitted or fede rally licensed activity that may impact water quality and to certify, condition, or deny the activity if it does not comply with State water quality standards. If the State Water Board imposes a condition on its certification, those conditions must be incl uded in the federal permit or license.

Except for dredge and fill activities, injection wells, and solid waste disposal sites, waste discharge requirements may not “specify the design, location, type of construction, or particular manner in which compliance may be had….” (Porter Cologne Act § 13360). Thus, waste discharge requirements ordinarily specify the allowable discharge concentration or load or the resulting condition of the receiving water, rather than the manner by which those results are to be ach ieved. However, the Regional Water Boards may impose discharge prohibitions and other limitations on the volume, characteristics, area, or timing of discharges and can set discharge limits such that the only practical way to comply is to use management practices. Regional Water Boards can also waive waste discharge requirements for a specific discharge or category of discharges on the condition that management measures identified in a water quality management plan approved by the State Water Board or Regional Water Boards are followed.

The Porter-Cologne Act also requires adoption of water quality control plans that contain the guiding policies of water pollution management in California. A number of statewide water quality control plans have been adopted by the State Water Board. In addition, regional water quality control plans (basin plans) have been adopted by each of the Regional Water Boards and are updated as necessary and practical. These plans identify the existing and potential beneficial uses of wa ters of the State and establish water quality objectives to protect these uses. The basin plans also contain implementation, surveillance, and monitoring plans. Statewide and regional water quality control plans include enforceable prohibitions against certain types of discharges, including those that may pertain to nonpoint sources. Portions of water quality control plans, the water quality objectives and beneficial use designations, are subject to review by EPA. When approved they become water quality sta ndards under the CWA.

State Water Resources Control Board
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
The SWRCB administers water rights, water pollution control, and water quality functions throughout the State, while the RWQCBs conduct planning, permitting, and enforcement activities . The City of Beaumont and Project area is within the jurisdiction of the Santa Ana RWQCB.

The NPDES permit is divided into two phases: Phase I and Phase II. Phase I requires medium and large cities, or certain counties with populations of 100,000 or more to obtain NPDES permit coverage for their stormwater discharges. Phase II requires regulated small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas, as well as small MS4s outside the urbanized areas that are designated by the permitting authority, to obtain NPDES permit coverage for their stormwater discharges. Concerning the proposed Project, the NPDES permit is divided into two parts: construction and post -construction. The construction permitting is administered by the SWRCB, while the post -construction permitting is administered by the RWQCB. Development projects typically result in the disturbance of soil that re quires compliance with the NPDES General Permit, Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges of Stormwater Runoff Associated with Construction Activities (Order No. 2012 -0006-DWQ, NPDES Number CAS000002)

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(General Construction Permit). This Statewide Genera l Construction Permit regulates discharges from construction sites that disturb one or more acres of soil.

The SWRCB has issued and periodically renews a statewide General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance A ctivities (GCASP) and a statewide General Industrial Activities Stormwater Permit (GIASP) for projects that do not require an individual permit for these activities. The GCASP was adopted in 2009 and further revised in 2012 (Order No. 2012 -0006-DWQ). The most recent GIASP (Order No. 2014-0057-DWQ) was adopted in April 2014 and requires dischargers to develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to reduce or prevent industrial pollutants in stormwater discharges, eliminate unauthorize d non-storm discharges, and conduct visual and analytical stormwater discharge monitoring to verify the effectiveness of the SWPPP and submit an annual report.

By law, all stormwater discharges associated with construction activity where clearing, grading, and excavation results in soil disturbance of at least one acre of total land area must comply with the provisions of this NPDES Permit and develop and implement an effective SWPPP. The SWPPP is required to contain a site map(s), which shows the construct ion site perimeter, existing and proposed buildings, lots, roadways, stormwater collection and discharge points, general topography both before and after construction, and drainage patterns across the project site. The SWPPP is required to list Best Management Practices (BMPs) the discharger will use to protect stormwater runoff and the placement of those BMPs. Additionally, the SWPPP must contain a visual monitoring program; a chemical monitoring program for “non-visible” pollutants to be implemented if there is a failure of BMPs; and a sediment monitoring plan if the site discharges directly to a water body listed on the 303(d) list for sediment.

Construction General Permit Section A describes the elements that must be contained in an SWPPP. A Project Applicant must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the SWRCB to be covered by the NPDES General Permit and prepare the SWPPP before beginning construction. SWPPP implementation starts with the commencement of construction and continues through project completio n. Upon project completion, the Applicant must submit a Notice of Termination (NOT) to the SWRCB to indicate that construction is completed.

For industrial uses, the NPDES program requires certain industrial land uses to prepare a SWPPP for operational act ivities and to implement a long -term water quality sampling and monitoring program unless an exemption has been granted. This began on April 1, 2014 when the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted an updated new NPDES permit for storm water discharge associated with industrial activities (referred to as the “Industrial General Permit”). The new Industrial General Permit, which is more stringent than the former Industrial General Permit, became effective on July 1, 2015. Under this currently effective NPDES Industrial General Permit, industrial uses including but not limited to manufacturing, transportation facilities, and other uses with typically heavy industrial uses would require permitting. These facilities are subject to stormwater efflu ent limitations . While warehousing uses are not specifically included if a covered use is implemented, the proposed Project could require NPDES coverage under this order (2014-0057-DWQ).

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Municipal Stormwater Permitting Program
The Municipal Stormwater Permitting Program regulates stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer (drain) systems (MS4s). Most of these permits are issued to a group of co -permittees encompassing an entire metropolitan area. The MS4 permits require the discharger to deve lop and implement a Stormwater Management Plan/Program with the goal of reducing the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable (MEP). MEP is the performance standard specified in CWA § 402(p).

The management programs specify what BMPs will be used to address certain program areas. The program areas include public education and outreach; illicit discharge detection and elimination; construction and post-construction; and good housekeeping for municipal operations.

For construction activities that would result in the disturbance of one acre or more, permittees must develop, implement, and enforce a program to reduce pollutant runoff in stormwater. This includes: (1) a program to prevent illicit stormwater discharges; (2) structural a nd non-structural BMPs to reduce pollutants in runoff from construction sites; and (3) preventing discharges from causing or contributing to violations of water quality standards. Permittees are required to review construction site plans to determine potential water quality impacts and ensure proposed controls are adequate. These include preparation and submission of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) with elements of an SWPPP, prior to issuance of building or grading permits. The 2012 MS4 permit r equires that the ESCP be developed by a Qualified SWPPP Developer. Permittees are required to develop a list of BMPs for a range of construction activities .

Regional
Riverside County
The proposed Project is within the larger Santa Ana Watershed which encom passes much of northern Riverside County and drains to the Santa Ana River. On January 29, 2010, the Santa Ana RWQCB issued a fourth-term area wide NPDES MS4 Permit to the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFCWCD) the County of Riverside and the cities of Beaumont, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Menifee, Norco, Perris, Riverside, San Jacinto and Wildomar (Permittees). Watersheds are based on geography and do not follow jurisdictional bounda ries and as a result these agencies are working together to improve water quality through implementation of water quality protection measures.

Accordingly, these efforts led to development of a Water Quality Management Plan (County WQMP) that was approved in October of 2012. The County WQMP was intended to be a guidance document to assist RCFCWCD which is considered the Principal Permittee, and co-permittees including the City of Beaumont to design water quality protection projects and measures in complian ce with Santa Ana RWQCB for Priority Development Projects. These requirements are specified in the NPDES MS4 permit, discussed above and issued to the RCFCWCD, and other Cities within the Santa Ana River watershed in the 2010 MS4 Permit.

The Santa Ana MS4 Permit is for the portion of the Santa Ana River watershed located within Riverside County (Order No. R8-2010-0033, NPDES Permit No. CAS618033). The Permittees’ stormwater programs

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are designed to ensure compliance with this permit. In addition, the County WQMP is intended to protect, preserve, enhance, and restore water quality of receiving water bodies, which would be accomplished through an adaptive planning and management process. The process identifies high priority water quality conditions within the watershed and implements strategies to address them. The County WQMP also includes typical measures and design and design recommendation that are required for all projects.

Accordingly, the co-permittees, including the City of Beaumont work cooperatively t o implement the requirements of the permitting process.

Local
Beaumont Municipal Code
The following chapters of the Beaumont Municipal Code (MC) address hydrology and water quality topics:

Title 8 – Health and Safety, Chapter 8.32 – Nuisances
This chapter sets the standards of defined public nuisances, including but not limited to, improper grading or excavation that causes erosion, subsidence or surface water runoff problems of such magnitude as to be injurious or potentially injurious to public health, safety, and welfare or to adjacent premises. (B eaumont MC, § 8.32.185.)
Title 13 – Public Services; Chapter 13.24 – Stormwater/Urban Runoff Management and Discharge Controls
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by:

1. Reducing pollutants in stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable;

2. Regulating illicit connections and discharges to the storm drain system; and

3. Regulating non-stormwater discharges to the storm drain system.

The intent of Chapter 13.24 is to protect and enhance the water quality of watercourses, water bodies, groundwater and wetlands in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act, the State Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and the conditions of an NPDES permit applicable to the City. (Beaumont MC, § 13.24.010.)
Title 15– Buildings and Construction; Chapter 15.24 – Floodplain Management The purpose of Chapter 15.24 to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas of the City by legally enforceable regulations applied uniformly throughout the community to all publicly and privately owned land.

According to B eaumont MC § 15.24.030, regulations in this chapter of the municipal code are designed to:

A. Protect human life and health;
B. Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;

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C. Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
D. Minimize prolonged business interruptions
E. Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains; electric, telephone and sewer lines; and streets and bridges located in special flood hazard areas; F. Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of special flood hazard areas so as to minimize future blighted areas caused by flood damage; G. Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an are a of special flood hazard area; and
H. Ensure that those who occupy special flood hazard areas assume responsibility for their actions.

B eaumont MC § 15.24.040 indicates the following types of regulations are included in Chapter 15.24 to accomplish the purposes set forth in B eaumont MC 15.24.030, These regulations:

A. Restrict or prohibit land uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or flood heights or velocities; B. Require that land uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction; C. Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers , which help accommodate or channel floodwaters;
D. Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and E. Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.

Title 16 – Subdivisions; Chapter 16.44 – Flood Control and Tract Drainage This chapter sets flood event design standards, and the flood control facility design calculations (hydrologic and hydraulic) that are required from applicants of Schedules A, B, C, D, and E land divisions as defined in Beaumont MC §§ 16.40.050 through 16.40.090. According to B eaumont MC § 16.44.010, the required facilities are established as follows:

A. The minimum design for facilities which control drainage water generated within a land division or floodwater flowing into or crossing a land division shall be based on a storm having a frequency of once in 100 years. Hydrologic and hydraulic calculations for the design of drainage facilities which control drainage water generated within a land division shall be submitted for approval to the City Engineer. Hydrologic and hydraulic calculations for the design of flood -control facilities to control floodwater flowing into or crossing a land division shall be submitted for approval to the flood-control agency having jurisdiction and to the City Engineer.

B. The use of streets for flood-control and drainage purposes may be prohibited by the City Engineer if the use thereof is not in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare.

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C. When the City Engineer permits the use of streets for flood-control and drainage purposes, the ten-year frequency design discharge shall be contained between the tops of curbs, and the 100-year frequency design discharge shall be contained within the street right -of-way. If either of these conditions is exceeded, additional flood control facilities shall be provided.

Application for Environmental Review and Processing
As part of the entitlement process, applicants are required to complete and submit an Application for Environmental Review and Processing, which is used by the City Planning Department to determine what, if any, technical studies may be required as part of the entitlement process. According to the Application for Environmental Review and Processing, a hydrology/water quality report is required for an implementing development project if: the project may require drilling for new utilities, construction activities that require deep excavation, or project is above water table, or may require excavation that will reach water table.

City of Beaumont 2040 General Plan
The Beaumont 2040 Plan goals, policies, and implementation actions that reduce potential impacts to hydrology and water quality include:

Land Use and Design Element
Goal 3.10: A City designed to improve the quality of the built and natural environments to reduce disparate health and environmental impacts.

Policy 3.10.7 Support practices that promote low impact development, including water resilient communities, prevention of urban runoff, and mitigation of industrial pollution.

Goal 3.11: A City that maintains and enhances open space used for resource preservation and/or recreation.

Policy 3.11.5 Preserve watercourses and washes necessary for regional flood control, ground water recharge areas and drainage for open space and recreational purposes. These include San Timoteo Creek, Little San Gorgonio Creek and Noble Creek, among others.

Goal 3.12: A City that minimizes the extent of urban development in the hillsides, and mitigates any significant adverse consequences associated with urbanization.

Policy 3.12.2 Limit the extent and intensity of uses and development in areas of unstable terrain, steep terrain, scenic vistas, and other critical environmental areas.

Policy 3.12.3 Control the grading of land, pursuant to the City’s Municipal Code, to minimize the potential for erosion, landslides, and other forms of land failure, as well as to limit the potential negative aesthetic impact of excessive modification of natural landforms.

Implementation LUCD7 Development Fact Sheets. Create and promote a series of one -page fact sheets about permitting, zoning, building, and development requirements and questions.

Implementation LUCD13 Coordination of Development Plans and Infrastructure Funding. Phase development based on availability of infrastructure and only allow

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annexation to occur only when the full range of urban services is available or funded.

Implementation LUCD23 Joint Use. Create a joint use agreement with the Flood Control District and other utility companies to allow residents greater park and recreational access.

Health, Equity, and Environmental Justice Element
Goal 6.7: A City that safely and systemically addresses to xics, legacy pollutants, and hazardous materials .

Policy 6.7.1 Prohibit new non-residential uses that are known to release or emit toxic waste at levels that are harmful to human health while continuing to allow R&D uses, medical uses, and other necessary services such as dry cleaners.

Policy 6.7.7 Work with the Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District to develop and distribute an informational brochure regarding best practices to reduce or eliminate surface and groundwater contamination.

Community Facilities and Infrastructure Element
Goal 7.2: A clean and sustainable water supply that supports existing community needs and long -term growth.

Policy 7.2.5 Provide the Beaumont 2040 land use plan to the Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) incorporation into their next UWMP and PWMP.

Policy 7.2.6 Require developers to present a plan to provide adequate water infrastructure and supply levels before approving new development.

Policy 7.2.7 Continue to optimize groundwater recharge from new and redevelop ment projects by infiltrating stormwater in accordance with State, regional, and local requirements.

Goal 7.4: Incorporate sustainable and improved stormwater management practices.

Policy 7.4.1 Incorporate low-impact development (LID) techniques to improve stormwater quality and reduce run-off quantity.

Policy 7.4.2 Explore opportunities for “green streets” that use natural processes to manage stormwater runoff, when feasible.

Policy 7.4.3 Require new development and redevelopment projects to reuse stormwater on-site to the maximum extent practical and provide adequate stormwater infrastructure for flood control.

Policy 7.4.4 Use agency websites, public service announcements, and other means to inform the public about water quality is sues, methods to prevent contaminants from entering the storm drain system, public stormwater pollution, and a system for reporting non- stormwater discharges to waterways. Some of these materials can be sourced from the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

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Goal 7.5: Manage and effectively treat storm water to minimize risk to downstream resources.

Policy 7.5.1 Ensure compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 permit requirements.

Policy 7.5.2 Continue to work with co-permittees of the NPDES permit to promote public awareness of water quality issues.

Policy 7.5.3 Minimize pollutant discharges into storm drainage systems, natural drainages, and groundwater. Design the necessary stormwater detent ion basins, recharge basins, water quality basins, or similar water capture facilities to protect water quality by capturing and/or treating water before it enters a watercourse.

Policy 7.5.4 Require new development to fund fair -share costs associated wit h the provision of stormwater drainage systems, including master drainage facilities.

Policy 7.5.5 Require hydrologic/hydraulic studies and WQMPs to ensure that new developments and redevelopment projects will not cause adverse hydrologic or biologic impacts to downstream receiving waters, including groundwater.

Policy 7.5.6 Participate, when appropriate, in regional task force efforts in partnership with the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, including but not limited to, the de velopment and ongoing implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and water quality sampling programs.

Policy 7.5.7 Pursue grant funding and partnership opportunities for stormwater capture and/or restoration projects.

Policy 7.5.8 Continue to routinely monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the storm drain collection and conveyance system and adjust as needed. This may include retrofitting for enhanced infiltration.

Policy 7.5.9 Continue to monitor influent rates at the wastewater treatment pl ant as new development projects are proposed, and coordinate treatment capacity expansion as needed.

Policy 7.5.10 Seek opportunities to integrate stormwater facilities into public spaces as architectural design elements. Include informational and educati onal signs to raise public awareness of water use and water pollution issues.

Implementation CFI1 Underground Infrastructure Mapping. Work collaboratively with regional utility agencies to adopt smart city technology to map underground infrastructure.

Imp lementation CFI2 Zoning and Implementation Ordinances. Update zoning and building codes to enable innovative sustainability measures such as:
▪ Greywater capture and reuse systems .
▪ On-site bioretention-based stormwater facilities .

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▪ Coordinated below grade ins tallation/repair between various providers and agencies .
▪ Wind generation on residential and commercial buildings . ▪ Electric vehicle infrastructure requirements .
▪ Green building performance standards .

Implementation CFI3 Adequate Water Supply for New Development: Require a Water Supply Assessment for new developments to ensure adequate water supply.

Implementation CFI4 Water System Plans and Rate Study. Participate in the revision the Urban Water Management Plan and Potable Water System Master Plan based on current requirements and policy.

Implementation CFI5 Funding. Work with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFC) to identify and pursue funding to support efforts that protect the Santa Ana watershed.

Implementation CFI6 Water Education. Develop a water conservation and stewardship strategy with local partners and water providers to reduce water consumption, raise awareness of stormwater pollution, and encourage conservation behaviors.

Implementation CFI7 Educational materials. Produce a City resource guide for commercial and residential water recycling techniques, including conservation strategies, landscaping, rainwater capture, greywater systems, and use of cisterns.

Implementation CFI8 Low Impact Development. Develop standards to:
▪ determine where Low Impact Development (LID) techniques are appropriate and can incorporate best management practices.
▪ identify and eliminate barriers to incorporate watershed protection principles.

Implementation CFI9 Area Drainage Plan. Develop an Area Drainage Plan (ADP) with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to accompany the Beaumont Master Drainage Plan.

Implementation CFI20 Green Streets. Implement best practices for Green Streets on tran sportation corridors associated with new and existing redevelopment projects.

Implementation CFI21 Local implementation Plan. Prepare a Local Implementation Plan (LIP) that documents the internal procedures for implementation of the various program elements described in the Drainage Area Management Plan and Regional Water Quality Control Board - Santa Ana Region Order No. R8-2010-0033 (“MS4 Permit”).

Implementation CFI22 Site Inspections. Conduct periodic inspections of commercial and industrial facilities for non-stormwater and/or pollutants discharges to the storm drain system.

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Implementation CFI23 Construction Site Inspections. Conduct construction site inspections in order to check for inadequate erosion and sediment control measures and/or non- stormwater discharges.

Implementation CFI24 Sewer and Stormwater User Fees. Work with local and regional agencies to update existing user fees for sewer and stormwater, fund needed system upgrades, and to the extent feasible, allow for wastewater recycling and s tormwater capture
Safety Element
Goal 9.8: A City with reduced potential flood hazards.

Policy 9.8.1 In coordination with the Public Works Department, annually review the City’s Land Use and Flood Hazard Maps to ensure that they accurately reflect areas recognized by FEMA as being subject to flooding.

Policy 9.8.2 Restrict development in Flood Hazard Areas.

Policy 9.8.3 Work closely with Federal and regional partners to perform timely reviews of potential flood hazards and identify mitigat ion strategies.

Policy 9.8.4 Require all new developments to mitigate potential flooding that may result from development, such as grading that prevents adverse drainage impacts to adjacent properties, on-site retention of runoff, and the adequate siting of structures located within flood plains.

Policy 9.8.5 Limit future development of critical facilities including, but not limited to, hospitals and health care facilities, emergency shelters, fire stations, emergency command centers, and emergency communications facilities within the boundaries of the 100 - year flood plain.

Policy 9.8.6 Encourage critical facilities to implement feasible design mitigation measures that ensure the building will not flood during a 100-year flood event to greatest extent practical.

Policy 9.8.7 Support regional efforts to control and mitigate existing potential flood related problems.

Policy 9.8.8 Evaluate the feasibility of expanded joint -use of open space lands and utility easements for flood control.

Policy 9.8.9 Encourage property owners and residents to purchase flood insurance for areas outside of the FEMA-mapped 100-year flood zones, especially in areas that have experienced flooding in the past.

Implementation S22 Flood Control Maps. Regularly update City’s maps to reflect latest FEMA designations.

Implementation S23 Update Municipal Code. Update municipal code to require:
▪ on-site stormwater runoff retention.

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▪ limit stormwater runoff impacts on adjacent properties.

Implementation S28 Water Conservation. Review Chapter 17.06 of the Municipal Code to consider adding additional water conservation measures

4.9.4 Impact Thresholds and Significan ce Criteria
State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G contains the Environmental Checklist Form, which includes questions concerning hydrology and water quality. The questions presented in the Environmental Checklist Form have been used as significance criteria in this section. Accordingly, the Project would have a significant effect on the environment if it would:
• Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality.
• Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin. • Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
▪ Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; ▪ Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site;
▪ Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; ▪ Impede or redirect flood flows.
• In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation. • Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan.

4.9.5 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Impact 4.9-1: Would the Project violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality? Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
Construction
Construction activities associated with the development of the proposed Project would be typical of those used in comparable warehouse and commercial developments. Grading and earthmoving activities conducted during the proposed Project’s construction period may require the use of water for dust mitigation. Water from dust control and other liquids such as fuels, lubricants, and liquid wastes can create runoff that would temporarily affect water quality.

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Construction activities for the lots , infrastructure, and the storm drain system would re quire a NPDES Construction General Permit, obtained from the CalEPA, SWRCB .7 Prior to the issuance of a Construction General Permit, an approved SWPPP would need to be prepared for the Project. The SWPPP would identify site-specific construction BMPs to r educe or eliminate sediment and other pollutants in stormwater and non-stormwater runoff from the Project site. BMPs are designed to control and prevent discharges of pollutants that can adversely impact the downstream surface water quality . Construction B MPs would include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Minimization of disturbed areas to the portion of the project site necessary for construction; • Stabilization of exposed or stockpiled soils and cleared or graded slopes; • Establishment of permanent re-vegetation or landscaping as early as is feasible; • Removal of sediment from surface runoff before it leaves the project site by silt fences or other similar devices around the site perimeter;
• Diversion of upstream runoff around disturbed areas of the project site; • Protection of all storm drain inlets on-site or downstream of the project site to eliminate entry of sediment;
• Prevention of tracking soils and debris off-site through use of a gravel strip or wash facilities, which will be located at all construction exits from the project site; • Proper storage, use, and disposal of construction materials, such as solvents, wood, and gypsum; and
• Continual inspection and maintenance of all BMPs through the duration of construction by the City.

Operation s
The City of Beaumont requires the preparation and implementation of a Project -Specific Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP). The WQMP must be approved by the City Engineer prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit.8 Separate Preliminary WQMPs were prepared for the Project’s Buildings 1, 2 and 3 and included as Appendix H. The WQMPs address post-construction water quality. This Project proposes to treat on-site runoff using a series of treatment control measures including biofiltration and infiltration basins. Where feasible stormwater will be captured within underground detention basins.

While the underground detention basins have limited infiltration ability, the captured stormwater will be pumped to irrigate natural vegetation and infiltra te into native soils . On-site flows would be directed towards the proposed underground corrugated metal pipe (CMP) detention system for increased runoff mitigation for Buildings 1 and 3. On-site flows for Building 2 will be directed to a detention basin that provide both infiltration and mitigation for increased runoff. Flows would ultimately discharge to the existing natural streambed to the west of the Project site. The Project would also include self-treating

7 California Water Boards – State Water Resources Control Board. (2019). Construction Stormwater Program. Retrieved from:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/construction.html 8 Riverside County, California MC § 13.12 – Stormwater Drainage system Protection Regulations

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landscape areas throughout the Project site. Routine inspection and maintenance of the biofiltration and infiltration basins and underground detention system are requirements of the City.

As identified in Standard Condition (SC) H YD-1, preparation, implementation, and participation with the Construction General Permit, including preparation of a SWPPP containing site-specific BMPs, would reduce Project construction effects on water quality to acceptable levels. Compliance with SC H YD-2 would require the Project provide a Final WQMP specifically identifying BMPs that would be incorporated into the Project to control stormwater and non-stormwater pollutants during and after construction.

C ompliance with SC HYD -3 would require preparat ion of an Erosion Control Plan that identifies specific measures to control on-site and off-site erosion. Therefore, SC HYD-1 through SC HYD -3 are proposed to preclude the violation of water quality standards during and after construction. Thus , impacts would be less than significant.

Standard Conditions and Requirements
SC HYD-1 The Applicant or his/her designees shall obtain a General Permit for Storm water Discharge Associated with Construction Activity (Construction Activity General Permit). The Applicant or his/her designees shall provide a copy of this permit to the City Public Works Department prior to the issuance of the first grading permit.

SC HYD-2 Prior to issuance of the first grading permit, the Applicant shall submit to the City Engineer for approval, a Final water quality management plan (WQMP) specifically identifying BMPs that will be incorporated into the Project to control stormwater and non-stormwater pollutants during and after construction. The Final WQMP shall specify best management practices spec ific to the Project site, which shall be integrated into the stormwater conveyance plan. The plan shall identify specific strategies, including the following.
▪ Site design features, including maximizing open space, preservation of natural drainages, and minimization of impervious surfaces.
▪ Source control features, including leveraging public outreach and education, use of appropriate landscaping, and covering trash storage areas. ▪ Treatment controls, including the use of underground chambers .

SC HYD-3 Prior to issuance of the first grading permit, a n Erosion Control Plan (ECP) shall be prepared, and included with the Project’s grading plan. The ECP shall identify specific measures to control on-site and off-site erosion from the time ground disturbing activities are initiated through completion of grading. The ECP shall include the following measures at a minimum:
a) Specify the timing of grading and construction to minimize soil exposure to rainy periods experienced in Southern California; and
b) An inspection and maintenance program shall be included to ensure that any erosion which does occur either on-site or off-site as a result of this Project will

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be corrected through a remediation or restoration program within a specified time frame.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact.

Impact 4.9-2: Would the Project substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin?
Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
Construction and Operations
The Project site is within the service area of the City of the BCVWD . BCVWD’s potable water system is supplied by wells in Little San Gorgonio Creek (Edgar Canyon) and the Beaumont Basin . Although the proposed Project would result in additional impervious surfaces on-site, the proposed Project would treat on-site runoff with biofiltration, infiltration, and reuse. On-site flows would be directed towards a proposed underground CMP detention system. Flows would then be pumped from the detention system at a reduced rate to mitigate for increased runoff to the biofiltration and infiltration bas ins. Flows from the detention system for Building 3 would also be pumped to an area of native vegetation to be reused as irrigation and to promote infiltration within the native soils.

The I nfiltration Report prepared by Southern California Geotechnical (Appendix H) notes that sixteen infiltration tests were performed at the site and the infiltration rates at these locations ranged from 0 to

19.4 inches per hour. Based on the existing conditions water infiltration results, the Infiltration Report recommends that the following infiltration rates for the proposed infiltration systems:

Infiltration System Site Location Infiltration Rate (Inches per Hour) A North-Central 0
B North-Central 5.4
C North-Central 11.5
Flows would ultimately discharge to the existing natural streambed to the west of the Project site, to landscaped areas within the built -up portions of the site and to the natural water drainage feature located in Planning Area 3 which would allow for infiltration and groundwater recharge . The Project would also include self-treating landscape areas.

The Infiltration Report suggest that infiltration rates can be significantly reduced if the soils are exposed to excessive disturbance or compaction during construction. Compaction of the soils at the bottom of the infiltration system can significantly reduce the infiltration ability of the basins. Therefore, the subgrade soils within proposed infiltration system areas should not be over -excavated, undercut or compacted in

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any significant manner. A representative of the geotechnical engineer is recommended to be on-site during the construction of the proposed infiltration system.

The pre-treatment of water would minimize pollutants from entering the basin, thereby minimizing impacts to groundwater management. A Water Supply Assessment (WSA) has been prepared by Albert A. Webb and Associates (Appendix I) and is discussed further in Section 4.17: Utilities and Service Systems. Further, the site does not contain any active or decommissioned groundwater wells . Therefore, the proposed Project would not significantly impact local groundwater recharge or impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin. Less than s ignificant impacts would occur and no mitigation is required.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact .

Impact 4.9-3: Would the Project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:

Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
Construction and Operati ons
The Project is proposing to build an e-commerce development of three warehouses on approximately 145.4 acres of vacant land with some pavement and structures remnants from the former egg and poultry farm. Existing elevations across the site vary from 2 ,554 to 2,419 (NAVD88 datum). The slopes throughout the site vary, while the general existing drainage pattern for the site is characterized by sheet flow to the southwest. Along the southwestern boundary of the Project site, an existing escarpment conveys runoff from the site into a vegetated streambed which runs northwest. A portion of the eastern and southern areas of the site drain south, where the streambed parallels Brookside Avenue. The majority of the site drains southwest into the same streambed, further downstream. The streambed eventually enters an existing concrete ditch along Calimesa Boulevard to the northwest of the Project.

In the proposed condition, on-site runoff would be conveyed through the site via proposed curb and gutters, and ribbon g utters. Runoff is collected via a network of inlets provided at low point throughout the site and conveyed via underground storm drain towards the proposed water quality treatment facilities. For the Building 1, stormwater will be conveyed to an underground detention basin that will have limited infiltration ability. Stormwater will then be pumped at a reduced flow rate to a biofiltration basin to further cleanse the water before draining into the proposed infiltration basin for Building 2. Only after the s tormwater from Building 2 has infiltrated, will stormwater from Building 1 be pumped from the underground detention basin. Stormwater runoff from the BSS - Building 2 site would be treated in a proposed infiltration basin. Stormwater runoff from Building 3 will be conveyed to an underground

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detention basin that will have limited infiltration ability. Stormwater will then be pumped at a reduced flow rate to a biofiltration basin to further cleanse the water before draining into the natural drainage system downstream of the project site.

Due to the lack of downstream storm drain facilities, the Project site would be required to mitigate for increases in runoff. For Buildings 1 and 3, a CMP detention chamber system has been proposed for each site. The CMP detention chamber system would be pumped out at a reduced discharge rate to mitigate for the increased runoff. The proposed infiltration basin in the Building 2 site would serve to treat for water quality requirements and mitigation along with a proposed CMP detention system which would equalize with the basin. The proposed mitigation systems for each building site have been sized to mitigate for increased runoff for the 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year storm events with a duration of 24 hours.

For preliminary purposes , it was assumed this will result in the largest mitigation volume required.

Additional durations will be analyzed during final engineering. An outlet structure has been designed to ensure outflow for each system does not surpass the existing flowrate s found from the unit hydrograph analysis of each area. Runoff will discharge from each detention system into the existing vegetated streambed area.

The proposed site plan and building layouts do not allow for the same tributary drainage areas to each of the south and west discharge points. To maintain existing outlet conditions, portions of the site would be required to over-mitigate to ensure the downstream facilities are not adversely impacted. The total flows from both discharge points would drain to the west and would not be in excess of pre -Project flows.9 As noted in Impact 4.9-1, the Project would be subject to the NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit and would implement a SWPPP, which would help minimize erosion and sedimentation from construction activity (see SC HYD-1 above). The Project would also implement a WQMP and Final WQMP for each building that would include construction and post -construction BMPs to further minimize erosion and sedimentation (see SC HYD -2 above). In addition to the SWPPP and WQMP, the Project is also subject to the applicable federal, state, regional, and local regulatory framework concerning water quality listed above. Therefore, with implementation of the SWPPP, WQMP, and applicable regulatory framework, the Project is not anticipated to result in substantial erosion or siltation. Thus, impacts would be less than significant.

Standard Conditions and Requirement
Compliance with SC HYD -1, HYD -2, and HYD -3.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact .

9 Albert A. Webb and Associates. 2021. Preliminary Drainage Study, pages 4 and 5.

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Impact 4.9-4: Would the Project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:

Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site?
Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?
Impede or redirect flood flows?
Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
Construction and Operations
The Project is proposing to build an e-commerce development of three warehouses on approximately 188 acres of vacant land with some pavement and structures. As noted above in Impact 4.9-3, the slopes throughout the site vary, while the general existing drainage pattern for the site is characterized by sheet flow to the southwest. The Drainage Report concluded that the proposed Project drainage improvements would adequately convey flows to the proposed basins at pre-Project flows and as such would not substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on or off-site.

Additionally, with implementation proposed underground detention system and the proposed biofiltration basins would provide adequate water pre-treated from Buildings 1 and 3 and water from Building 2 would be treated on-site via the proposed infiltration basins . Because water is being treated on-site, no polluted water runoff would occur and as previously noted, the Project would continue to maintain pre-Project release flows.

Finally, although drainage flows would be required to be internally redirected through the water collection system, the site ultimately continues to drain southwest into the same streambed, further downstream.

The streambed eventually enters an existing concrete ditch along Calimesa Boulevard to the northwest of the Project. As shown in the Drainage Report provided for the Project (Appendix H), the stormwater facilities have been designed to have the capacity for all required Hydrologic Conditions of Concern (HCOC) storm events , including post-development peak flows for 100-year storm events.

Prior to issuance of grading permit, the Applicant would be r equired to submit all grading and drainage plans for review to the City, to ensure that the Project would not increase flows on- or off-site or substantially exceed the existing drainage facilities. As noted above, the Project’s drainage design would maintain pre-Project peak water flows. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Standard Conditions and Requirement
Compliance with SC HYD -1, HYD -2, and HYD -3.

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Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact .

Impact 4.9-5: In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, would the Project risk release of pollutants due to project inundation?
Level of Significance: No Impact
Construction and Operations
The Project site is inland and is not at risk for inundation due to a tsunami because it is located more than 50 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The Project site is not within a seiche zone because no large bodies of water border the Project site.

As discussed above, the Project site is within FEMA FIRM map panel 06065C0785G (effective 8/28/2008).

Based on a review of this map panel, the Project site is located in Zone X, an area noted as having a minimal flood hazard. Therefore, the Project site is located outside the 100-year flood hazard area, and no flood risk is present.

According to Figure 5.9-3 of the City’s General Plan EIR,10 the Project site is not located in a flood hazard zone and according to the Riverside County General Plan Dam Failure Inundation Zones Map, the Project site is not located in a dam hazard zone that is susceptible to flood hazards and inundation due to dam rupture. Therefore, Project implementation would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam.11 Thus , no impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
No impact.

Impact 4.9-6: Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan?
Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact

10 City of Beaumont. (2020). Final Program Environmental Impact Report, Beaumont General Plan Update . Figure 5.9-3: Flood Hazard Zones.

11 Riverside County. (2015). Riverside County General Plan, Chapter 6: Safety Element. Figure S -10: Dam Failure Inundation Zones. Page S -39.

Retrieved from: https://planning.rctlma.org/Portals/14/genplan/general_Plan_2017/elements/OCT17/Ch06_Safety_DEC2016.pdf?ver=2017 - 10-06-093651-757. Accessed August 27, 2021.

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Construction and Operations
The Project site is within the Santa Ana River Watershed and is subject to the SARWQCB Basin Plan and Riverside County D rainage Area Management Plan. As discussed in Impact 4.9-1 and Impact 4.9-4, the Project would meet applicable state, regional and local water quality goals . A less than significant impact would occur.

Standard Conditions and Requirement
Compliance with SC HYD -3 is required.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact .

4.9.6 Cumulative Impacts
As identified above, implementation of the Project would result in a less than significant impact concerning hydrology and water quality. The Project would be consistent with applicable federal, state, regional, and local water standards that would ensure that the Project’s impacts would be cumulatively less than significant. The Project would also require and prepare a SWPPP and Final WQMP that would outline development standards and BMPs that would aid in reducing water quality impacts for construction and post -construction activity. Prior to construction start ing, the City would review and approve the final drainage and grading plans, and final WQMP to ensure that all applicable flood control and water quality standards are met. Additionally, the Project would maintain pre-Project peak flows.

Moreover, according to the Water Supply Assessment provided as Appendix I, the Beaumont -Cherry Valley Water District and the City of Beaumont entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on July 9, 2019, which defined the general terms, roles, and responsibilities of both agencies as they related to the delivery of recycled water from the City’s upgraded and expanded treatment facility.12 Therefore, the Project would not result in a cumulatively considerable impact related to drainage or water quality.

4.9.7 Significant Unavoidable Impacts
No significant unavoidable hydrology or water quality impacts have been identified.

4.9.8 References
Albert A. Webb Associates. (2021). Preliminary Drainage Study.

Albert A. Webb Associates. (2021). Project Specific Water Quality Management Plan, Beaumont Summit Station – Building 1.

12 Albert A. Webb and Associates. 2021. WSA., page 3-13.

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Albert A. Webb Associates. (2021). Project Specific Water Quality Management Plan, Beaumont Summit Station – Building 2.

Albert A. Webb Associates. (2021). Project Specific Water Quality Management Plan, Beaumont Summit Station – Building 3.

Beaumont, City of. (2020). Final Program Environmental Impact Report, Beaumont General Plan Update.

Figure 5.9-3: Flood Hazard Zones. Page 5.9-11. Retrieved from:
https://beaumontca.gov/121/General-Plan . Accessed August 27, 2021.

Riverside, County of. (2015). Riverside County General Plan, Chapter 6: Safety Element . Figure S-10: Dam Failure Inundation Zones. Page S-39. Retrieved from Riverside County Website:
https://planning.rctlma.org/Portals/14/genplan/general_Plan_2017/elements/OCT17/Ch06_Saf ety_DEC2016.pdf?ver=2017-10-06-093651-757. Accessed August 27, 2021.

Southern California Geotechnical. (2021). Results of Infiltration Testing.

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4.10 LAND USE AND PLANNING

4.10.1 Introduction
This section of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) evaluates potential impacts to land use in the City of Beaumont (City) from implementation of the proposed Beaumont Summit Station Specific Plan (Project). The analysis in this section is ba sed on the proposed land use designations described in Chapter 2, Development Plan, Chapter 3, Planning Areas and Development Regulations, and Chapter 4, Design Guidelines , of the Beaumont Summit Station Specific Plan (Specific Plan). The Project, including the Specific Plan, has been evaluated for its consistency with relevant goals and policies in Beaumont General Plan 2040 Update (Beaumont 2040 GP) and the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Com munities Strategy (RTP/SCS).

Potential land use impacts of the Project analyzed in this section of the Draft EIR include those that could result in land use incompatibilities, division of neighborhoods or communities, or interference with other land use plans. Where applicable, mitigation measures are proposed to ensure the application of actions which would minimize or remove land use impacts that are identified as significant.

4.10.2 Environmental Setting
Project Site
Existing and Proposed Conditions
The Project site is comprised of 188 gross acres of the former Sunny-Cal Egg and Poultry Ranch. Remaining uses include cement pads, several structures, and vacant property. Site topography slopes towards the southwest. A jurisdictional waterway with a shar ply incised channel crosses the southern portion of the site in a southeast to northwest direction
While currently vacant, development of 560 low density residential units with a series of open space and park areas was approved as part of the Sunny-Cal Specific Plan. The Sunny‐Cal Specific Plan identified the Specific Plan area to be included within the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) and annexed into the City. The property, without the portion of the prior Planning Area (PA) 2 (panhandle), was incorporate d into the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI ) and annexed into the City in 2017. Annexation into the Beaumont‐Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) occurred at the same time.

The Project site currently has a General Plan Land Use Designation of Single -Family Residential. The zoning for the Project site is Specific Plan.

The Project includes several entitlements , including approval of a new Specific Plan and General Plan Amendment, to convert residential uses for e-commerce (PA 1) and commercial (PA 2) uses. The existing open space uses (PA 3) would continue to be preserved as part of the Project . R efer to Exhibit 3.0-4, Specific Plan , which illustrates the previously approved Sunny-Cal Specific Plan land uses with the amended boundary and land uses of the Project site which summarizes the changes to the approved Specific Plan (see Table 4.10-1 below).

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Table 4.10-1: Existing and Proposed Land Use Plan
Land Use Sunny-Cal Specific Plan (2007) Summit Station Specific Plan (2021) Low Density Residential 158.65 acres 560 du -- -- Commerce Center
Warehouse
Office
-- -- 139.8 acres

2,5 07,465 sf
50,000 sf
Commercial
Hotel (220 Keys)
Retail
Restaurant
-- -- 1 0.9 acres

100,000 sf
25,000 sf
25,000 sf
Open Space
Park/Trail
Buffer/Open Space

21.15 acres

8.71 acres

0 acres
3 0.6 acres
Circulation 9.8 acres 6.7 acres
Total 200 acres 188 acres
Source: Kimley -Horn. 2022. Beaumont Summit Station Specific Plan. Table 1. du = dwelling units; sf = square feet
Note: Land use acreages are net of roads and are rounded.

du = dwelling units; sf = square feet Surrounding Uses
As shown in Exhibit 4.8-1, Project Vicinity , surrounding land uses include the following • North: Cherry Valley Boulevard with planned industrial uses zoned Industrial (I‐P) and Danny Thomas Ranch beyond in the County of Riverside.
• East: Scattered single‐family residences zoned Agriculture (A‐1‐1) and residential (R‐A‐1) in the County of Riverside.
• South: Brookside Avenue and property zoned for neighborhood commercial and single -family residential uses beyond.
• West: Vacant property zoned for Residential (R‐A‐1) and Commercial (C‐P‐S) in the County of Riverside.

4.10.3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
There are no federal land use regulations that are applicable to the proposed Project.

State
California Planning and Zoning Law
The legal framework in which California cities and counties exercise local planning and land use functions is set forth in the California Planning and Zoning Law, §§ 65000 to 66499.58. Under State planning law, each city and county must adopt a comprehensive, long -term general plan. State law gives cities and counties wide latitude in how a jurisdiction may create a general plan, but there are fundamental requirements that must be met. These requirements include the inclusion of seven mandatory elements described in the California Government Code (CGC), including a section on land use. Each of the elements

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must contain text and descriptions setting forth objectives, principles, standards, policies, and plan proposals; diagrams and maps that incorporate data and analysis; and mitigati on measures.

California Codes
The California Codes are 29 legal codes enacted by the California State Legislature, which together form the general statutory law of California. Unlike the United States Code or other U.S. state legal codes, they have never been consolidated into a single unified code. The official Codes are maintained by the California Legislative Counsel for the Legislature. CGC § 53091(d) states “Building ordinances of a county or city shall not apply to the location or construction of facilities for the production, generation, storage, treatment, or transmission of water, wastewater, or electrical energy by a local agency.” Furthermore, § 539091(e) states “Zoning ordinances of a county or city shall not apply to the location or construction of facilities for the production, generation, storage, treatment, or transmission of water, or for the production or generation of electrical energy, facilities that are subject to § 12808.5 of the Public Utilities Code, or electrical substations in an e lectrical transmission system that receives electricity at less than 100,000 volts. Zoning ordinances of a county or city shall apply to the location or construction of facilities for the storage or transmission of electrical energy by a local agency, if t he zoning ordinances make provision for those facilities.”
Regional
Southern California Association of Governments
SCAG is a regional council of governments representing Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties, which encompass over 38,000 square miles. SCAG is the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for this region and a forum for addressing regional issues concerning transportation, the economy, community development, and the environment. SC AG is also the regional clearinghouse for projects requiring environmental documentation under federal and state law. In this role, SCAG reviews proposed development and infrastructure projects to analyze their impacts on regional planning programs. As the southern California region’s MPO, SCAG cooperates with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the California Department of Transportation, and other agencies in preparing regional planning documents. SCAG has developed regional plans to achieve specific regional objectives, as discussed below.

The Project is considered a project of “regionwide significance” pursuant to the criteria in SCAG’s Intergovernmental Review Procedures Handbook (November 1995) and § 15206 of the CEQA Guidelines.

Therefore, this section addresses the Project’s consistency with the applicable SCAG regional planning guidelines and policies.

Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy In September 2020, SCAG adopted the 2020–2045 RTP/SCS, a long -rang e visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals. The 2020 -2045 RTP/SCS includes a strong commitment to reduce emissions from transportation sources to comply with SB 375, improve public health, and meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This long -range plan,

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required by the state of California and the federal government, is updated by SCAG every four years as demographic, economic, and policy circumstances change. The RTP/SCS i s a living, evolving blueprint for the region’s future. The City is a member jurisdiction of the San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG), and a participating agency in SCAG’s 2020 -2045 RTP/SCS.

Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conser vation Plan The Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) is a long -term regional conservation plan established to protect sensitive species and habitats in western Riverside County. The MSHCP Plan Area provides a regional vision for balanced growth by complying with federal and state endangered species laws. The MSHCP is discussed in detail in Section 4.3.3.

Local
City of Beaumont Municipal Code
Title 16 – Subdivisions
Title 16 is the City’s subdivision ordinance and is adopted pursuant to the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act of 1975 with current amendments and govern all land divisions within the City. (B eaumont Municipal C ode (MC) §§ 16.04.010A and B.) According to § 16.04.01C, B eaumont MC Title 16 was adopted to promote orderly growth and development of the City; to protect existing and future citizen rights; to develop a harmonious and workable relationship between the citizens of the City, employees of the City and applicants for land division; and to provide a means whereby the process, from submission to approval, is completed in a minimum time frame.

B eaumont MC § 16.04.020 establishes the City Planning Commission is designated as the "advisory agency" charged with the duty of making investigations and reports on the design and improvement of all proposed parcel map land divisions and tentative subdivision maps in the City. This section also authorizes the Planning Commission to conditionally approve or disapprove all tentative parcel maps and tentative subdivis ion maps and land divisions and submit to the City Council for final approval.

B eaumont MC § 16.04.030 establishes the City’s Land Division Committee, which consists of representatives from the following departments and districts: Planning, Engineering, Building and Safety, Public Works, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and the Fire Department.

The Land Division committee shall be chaired by the Planning Department representative. All land division maps shall be considered by the Land Division Committee and the committee report its findings and recommendations on subdivision maps and parcel maps to the advisory agency with jurisdiction over the map.

Title 17 - Zoning
This Title (Title 17) shall be known as the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Beaumont and may also be referred to hereinafter as the Zoning Ordinance. This Zoning Ordinance was adopted pursuant to Article XI, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of California and was prepared in compliance with t he requirements of Title 7 of the C GC. This Zoning Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the authority vested in the City of Beaumont by the State of California Constitution, the State of California Planning, Zoning, and

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Development Laws (C GC §§ 65000 et. seq.), the State of California Subdivision Map Act (C GC § 66510 et. seq.), and the State of California Health and Safety Code. The City of Beaumont Zoning Ordinance consists of the following:

A. Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance establishes zoning districts (also referred to as zones) that govern the use of land, indicates standards for structures and improvements that are permitted within the various zones, and establishes procedures for the granting of permits and entitlements.

B. Zoning Map . The zoning map delineates the boundaries of the zoning districts that are applicable to specific properties within the City.

City of Beaumont 2040 General Plan
Land Use and Design Element
Goal 3.1: A City structure that enhances the quality of life of residents, meets the community’s vision for the future, and connects new growth areas together with established Beaumont neighborhoods.

Policy 3.1.1 Promote a balance of land use and development types throughout the City.

Policy 3.1.3 Establish or preserve areas for mixed-use districts that contain a mix of retail, service, office, and residential uses in a compact, walkable setting along SR -79 (between I -10 and SR -60.

Policy 3.1.4 Establish an Employment District that integrates diversity of jobs with multi -modal access to the rest of City.

Policy 3.1.6 Preserve and protect natural open space areas in south and southwest Beaumont and its sphere of influence.

Policy 3.1.7 Connect new growth areas to existing Beaumont neighborhoods by directing transportation invest ments to improve open space connectivity, wayfinding, and urban design strategies.

Policy 3.1.8 Require new major centers and larger residential developments to be accessible to major transportation facilities as well as be well-connected to transit.

Policy 3.1.9 Prioritize public investments and guide private investments around existing neighborhoods and districts to locate expansion areas contiguous to the existing footprint.

Policy 3.1.10 Infill vacant areas within City limits by developing new reside ntial neighborhoods around neighborhood centers and community gathering spaces, such as schools and parks.

Policy 3.1.11 Strive to create development patterns such that most residents are within one -half mile walking distance of a variety of neighborhood-serving uses, such as parks, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, dry cleaners, laundromats, banks, hair salons, pharmacies, religious institutions, and similar uses.

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Policy 3.1.12 Establish buffers between open space areas and urban development by encoura ging less intensive rural development within proximity to the open space areas.

Goal 3.3: A City that preserves its existing residential neighborhoods and promotes development of new housing choices.

Policy 3.3.3 Continue to maintain and conserve existing residential neighborhoods.

Policy 3.3.6 Encourage developers to build supportive commercial uses by the time 75% of the residential uses are constructed.

Policy 3.3.7 Require well-connected walkable neighborhoods with quality access to transit, pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

Policy 3.3.9 Ensure new development projects and infill construction are of a compatible scale in existing neighborhoods and provide adequate transitions to adjacent residential properties.

Policy 3.3.11 Discourage the construction of new gated communities. When gated communities are allowed, require frequent pedestrian and bicycle connections between the gated community and surrounding areas at distances no more than 600 feet apart.

Goal 3.4: A City that maintains and expands its commercial, industrial and other employment generating land uses.

Policy 3.4.3 Encourage development of employment -generating uses in the SR -79 West Subarea.

Goal 3.11: A City that maintains and enhances open space used for resource preservat ion and/or recreation.

Policy 3.11.5 Preserve watercourses and washes necessary for regional flood control, ground water recharge areas and drainage for open space and recreational purposes. These include San Timoteo Creek, Little San Gorgonio Creek and N oble Creek, among others.

Policy 3.11.6 Encourage residential clustering and allow transfer of development rights as a means of preserving open space.

Policy 3.11.8 Work with Riverside County and adjacent cities, landowners, and conservation organizations to preserve, protect, and enhance open space and natural resources consistent with the MSHCP.

Policy 3.11.9 Continue to maintain the Badlands and Potrero area as primarily a functioning wildlife habitat.

Policy 3.11.10 Require the provision of open space linkages and conservation between development projects, consistent with the conservation efforts targeted in the MSHCP.

Goal 3.12: A City that minimizes the extent of urban development in the hillsides, and mitigates any significant adverse consequences associated with urbanization.

Policy 3.12.2 Develop policies for hillside development in order to protect the natural environment.

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Policy 3.12.3 Control the grading of land, pursuant to the City’s Municipal Code, to minimize the potential for erosion, landslides, and other forms of land failure, as well as to limit the potential negative aesthetic impact of excessive modification of natural landforms.

Implementation LUCD 9 Regulatory Barriers. Review the zoning code, subdivision regulations, development regulations, and fire and building codes to address potential regulatory barriers to mixed use development.

Implementation LUCD 16 Core Service Areas. Prioritize capital spending in neighborhoods that promote active transportation, mixed use support improvements to its core service areas
Implementation LUCD 17 Mixed Use Development. Develop financial and regulatory incentives, such as permit fee reductions, tax abatements, expedited development approval processes, and providing density and building he ight or floor area bonuses, to promote new mixed-use development.

Implementation LUCD 25 Hillside Development Ordinance. Adopt and enforce compliance with the Hillside Development Ordinance. Review every 5 years for potential updates.

Mobility Element
Go al 4.1: Promote smooth traffic flows and balance operational efficiency, technological, and economic feasibility.

Policy 4.1.2 Maintain LOS D on all auto-priority streets in Beaumont. LOS E is considered acceptable on non-auto-priority streets.

Policy 4.1.3 Identify key streets and intersections that will be exempt from the LOS threshold due to inadequate right -of-way, environmental constraints, or funding limitations.

Policy 4.1.4 Strengthen partnerships with transit management organizations to develop citywide demand management programs and incentives to encourage non -automotive transportation options.

Policy 4.1.5 Require residential and commercial development standards that strengthen connections to transit and promote walking to neighborhood services.

Goal 4.2: Support the development of a comprehensive network of complete streets throughout the City that provides safe, efficient, and accessible connectivity for users of all ages and abilities.

Policy 4.2.2 Maintain standards that align with SB 743 and multi-modal level of service (MMLOS) methodologies. Incorporate these into impact assessments when appropriate.

Policy 4.2.3 Design residential streets to minimize traffic volumes and/or speed, as appropriate, without compromising connectivity for emergency first responders, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Policy 4.3.5 Ensure that existing and future roadway improvement balance the needs of all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists.

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Goal 4.3: A healthy transportation system that promotes and improves pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety in Beaumont.

Policy 4.3.4 Enhance existing pedestrian infrastructure to support the needs of aging adults, particularly routes to transit, health care services, and shopping centers.

Policy 4.3.5 Integrate land use and transportation infrastructure to support higher -density development, a balanced mix of residential and commercial uses, and a connected system of sidewalks, bikeways, greenways, and transit.

Goal 4.4: A balanced transportation system that provides adequate facilities for people in the City to bicycle, walk, or take transit to their destinations.

Policy 4.4.1 Ensure connectivity of pedestrian and cyclist facilities to key destinations, such as downtown, commercial centers, and employment centers, and link these facilities to each other by providing trails along key utility corridors.

Policy 4.4.4 Develop a comprehensive trails network to connect neighborhoods and key attraction areas.

Policy 4.4.5 Promote policies and programs that encourage the use of transit and increased transit service.

Implementation M3 TDM Plan Requirements. Update the City’s development processing requirements to require TDM plans and strategies are developed for residential and employment land uses that reduce vehicle trips or vehicle trip lengths.

Implementation M4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Update the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Plan with a focus on connectivity to transit, neighborhood centers, and schools while identifying state-of-the-practice techniques for improving safety.

Implementation M7 Grant Funding. Submit grant funding applications consistent with grant opportunities to SCAG and RCTC for multi-modal infrastructure projects that promote complete streets.

Imp lementation M10 Traffic Study Methodology. Update the City's traffic study requirements to implement the VMT methodology and impact thresholds adopted by the City.

Implementation M19 Multi-Use Trail. Engage with appropriate agencies to expedite implementation of a Class I facility along the Edison Transmission Easement Corridor. Annually pursue grant funding opportunities to fund the facility.

Implementation M20 Transit Station Location. Engage RCTC frequently and participate in meetings to ensure that t he Pass transit station is in the City of Beaumont.

Implementation M29 Zoning Code Update. Update the City’s parking Standards to:
▪ provide a reduction in parking standards if comprehensive TDM programs are provided.
▪ increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations in parking areas .

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Implementation M30 Curbside Management. Actively manage curb spaces in activity areas to balance multiple demands (e.g., AVs, TNCs, bicycles, pedestrians, delivery loading/unloading, street furniture, etc.) and ensure a balanced provision to all users.

Economic Development and Fiscal Element
Goal 5.1: A dynamic local economy that attracts diverse business and investment.

Policy 5.1.8 Align City investment, including capital projects, with areas of desired economic growth and business attraction in the existing commercial and industrial areas, Employment District and Urban Villages.

Goal 5.6: A collaborative community that advances economic development goals through partnerships.

Policy 5.6.1 Support and participate in regional economic development efforts, such as the Riverside County Economic Development Agency’s programs and events.

Imp lementation EDF 27 Coordination with Nearby Cities. Establish regular coordination with neighboring jurisdictions, including the City of Banning, City of Calimesa and Riverside County to explore strategies for efficient infrastructure maintenance and delivery of services and economic development programs.

Community Facilities and Infrastructure Element
Goal 7.2: A clean and sustainable water supply that supports existing community needs and long -term growth.

Policy 7.2.4 Provide the Beaumont 2040 land use plan to the San Timoteo Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) for use in preparation of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for management of the San Timoteo Subbasin that is outside of the adjudicated boundary of the Beaumont Basin.

Policy 7.2.5 Provide the Beaumont 2040 land use plan to the Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) incorporation into their next UWMP and PWMP.

Implementation CFI 5 Funding. Work with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFC) to identify and pursue funding to support efforts that protect the Santa Ana watershed.

Implementation CFI 9 Area Drainage Plan. Develop an Area Drainage Plan (ADP) with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to accompany the Beaumont Master Drainage Plan.

Implementation CFI 26 Zero Waste. Work with regional partners, such as the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources, and community partners to foster a zerowaste culture, including outreach, marketing, and local grant program to support efforts.

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Conservation and Open Space Element
Goal 8.8: A City where the natural and visual character of the community is preserved.

Policy 8.8.3 Work with Riverside County and adjacent cities, landowners, a nd conservation organizations to preserve, protect, and enhance open space and natural resources consistent with the MSHCP.

Sustainable Beaumont: The City’s Roadmap to Greenhouse Gas Reductions (Climate Action Plan)
The City approved Sustain Beaumont (Climate Action Plan) in 2015, which serves as a long -term plan for achieving sustainability by utilizing resources effectively and reducing GHG emissions. By using energy more efficiently, harnessing renewable energy to power buildings, recycling waste, and en hancing access to sustainable transportation modes, the City can keep dollars in the local economy, create new green jobs, and improve community quality of life. The goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan are shown in Table 4.7-6, City of Beaumont, Sust ainable Beaumont Plan (Climate Action Plan) Consistency in Section 4.7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, of this Draft EIR.

4.10.4 Impact Thresholds and Significan ce Criteria
State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G contains the Environmental Checklist Form, which includes questions concerning land use and planning . The questions presented in the Environmental Checklist Form have been utilized as significance criteria in this section. Accordingly, the Proj ect would have a significant effect on the environment if it would:
1) Physically divide an established community.
2) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.

Methodology
This analysis analyzes the Project’s consistency with regional and local plans, policies, and regulations for the purposes of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. Specifically, the Proj ect was analyzed with respect to the applicable regional planning guidelines and strategies of SCAG’s RTP/SCS and the Beaumont 2040 GP.

Approach to Analysis
This analysis of impacts on land use and planning components examines the Project’s temporary (i.e., construction) and permanent (i.e., operational) effects based on application of the significance criteria/thresholds outlined above. Each criterion is discussed in the context of the Project site and the surrounding characteristics/geography. The impact conclusions consider the potential for changes in environmental conditions, as well as compliance with the regulatory framework enacted to protect the environment.

The baseline conditions and impact analyses are based on review of Project maps and drawings ; analysis of aerial and ground‐level photographs; and review of various data available in public records, including

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local planning documents. The determination that a Project component will or will not result in “substantial” adverse effects on land use a nd planning standards considers the available policies and regulations established by local and regional agencies and the amount of deviation from these policies in the Project’s components.

4.10.5 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Impact 4.10-1 Would the Project physically divide an established community? Level of Significance: No Impact
Project Site
Construction and Operations
Although the previously approved Specific Plan included residential uses, the Specific Plan was never implemented. As noted above, the Project site is characterized by cement pads, several structures, and vacant property. Furthermore, t he Project ’s proposed e-commerce, commercial, and open space components would be consist ent with the land use designations upon approval of the General Plan Amendment and approval of the Specific Plan. The Project would not physically divide an established community and therefore, no impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is necessary.

Level of Significance
No impact.

Impact 4.10-2 Would the Project cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
CEQA requires that an EIR consider whether a Project would conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation (including, but not limited to a general plan, specific plan, or zoning ordinan ce) that was adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating environmental effect(s). This environmental determination differs from the larger policy determination of whether a proposed Project is consistent with a jurisdiction’s general plan. The broade r general plan consistency determination considers all evidence in the record concerning the Project characteristics, its desirability, as well as its economic, social, and other non-environmental effects. Regarding plan or policy consistency, a project is evaluated in terms of whether the proposed site plan, project design, and/or development within a given location would substantially impede implementation of an adopted plan or policy resulting in a significant environmental effect. The mere fact that a project may be inconsistent in some manner with particular policies in a general plan or zoning ordinance does not, per se, amount to a significant environmental effect. In the context of land use and planning, significant impacts occur when a conflict with any

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applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the Project results in an adverse physical environmental impact.

Construction and Operations
SCAG 2020-2045 RTP/SCS Strategies
The Project, as designed would be compat ible with the strategies proposed by SCAG in their 2020-2045 RTP/SCS. These strategies were a collaborative effort between SCAG and local agencies with the intention of not only managing regional growth, but also maximizing ecological health. Table 4.10-2, Project Compatibility with SCAG 2020-2045 RTP/SCS Strategies below describes the proposed Project’s compatibility with the land use strategies proposed in SCAG’s 2020-2045 amendment of the RTP/SCS. Due to the Project’s consistency with SCAG’s Land Use strategies, no significant impact is expected in this regard.

Table 4.10-2: Project Compatibility with SCAG 2020-2024 RTP/SCS RTP/SCS Strategies Project Consistency

1. Encourage regional economic
prosperity and global
competitiveness
Consistent: The proposed Project includes development of commercial and e -commerce facilities. The proposed Project would add to economic development of the region by adding a new logistics and merchandise distribution facility. This would provide both temporary and permanent employment opportunities and add to the tax base and generate revenue for the City.

2. Improve mobility,
accessibility, reliability, and
travel safety for people and
goods
Consistent: The Project consists of commercial development and e -commerce facilities which will contribute to local or regional accessibility.

At the local level, the proposed Project includes street improvements adjacent to the Project site which would provide increased connectivity to regional circulation elements including the I-10 freeway. The Project also provides adequate ingress and egress to ensure circulation on Cherry Valley Boulevard and Brookside Avenue functions efficiently. In addition, the proposed Project is located in an area that is planned to enhance the overall efficiency and regional capacity to distribute goods and products.

3. Enhance the preservation,
security, and resilience of the
regional transportation system
Consistent: The Project would r esult in construction of commercial and e- commerce development which entails employment opportunities and does include transportation improvements that would result in broad improvements to safety. As discussed above, the proposed Project includes a design that would ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and vehicles into and through the Project area, addressing light trucks and passenger vehicles, heavy trucks, public transit, and non -vehicular circulation (pedestrians and bicycles). The propose d Project would improve the local and regional reliability related to the transportation and delivery of goods and services.

4. Increase person and goods
movement and travel choices
within the transportation
system
Consistent: The proposed Project is a local development project and does not include any elements that would directly enhance a sustainable regional transportation system. As discussed in responses to Goals 1, 2, and 3, the proposed Project makes indirect contributio ns through ensuring safety, local transportation improvements, and improving regional distribution of goods and products. See also, responses to Goals 1, 2, and 3, above.

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RTP/SCS Strategies Project Consistency

5. Reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and improve air
quality
Consistent: The proposed Project would include interior circulation elements and adjacent roadways that would improve the circulation system.

The proposed Project consists of an e -commerce and commercial development and is not itself considered a project that would improve air quality. The development would indirectly improve regional air quality by its location being in proximity to regional transportation corridors and in a location that reduces overall distances for product distribution. However, the proposed Project includes measures for both construction and operation that would reduce air emissions.

6. Support healthy and
equitable communities
Consistent: As discussed above, the proposed Project includes a design that would ensure the safe and efficient movement of people an d vehicles into and through the Project area, addressing light trucks and passenger vehicles, heavy trucks, public transit, and non -vehicular circulation (pedestrians and bicycles). The proposed Project would improve the local and regional reliability related to the transportation and delivery of goods and services.

7. Adapt to a changing climate
and support an integrated
regional development pattern
and transportation network
Consistent: The Project would be required to comply with Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which provide minimum efficiency standards related to various building features, including appliances, water and space heating and cooling equipment, building insulation and roofing, and lighting.

Implementation of the Title 24 standards significantly reduces energy usage which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, at the local level, the proposed Project includes street improvements adjacent to the Project site which would provide increased connectivity to regional circulation elements including the I-10 freeway. The Project also provides adequate ingress and egress to ensure circulation on Cherry Valley Boulevard and Brookside Avenue functions efficiently. In addition, the proposed Project is located in an area that is planned to enhance the overall efficiency and regional capacity to distribute goods and products.

8. Leverage new transportation
technologies and data-driven
solutions that result in more
efficient travel
Consistent: The Project area is surrounded predominantly by undeveloped, vacant, and open space land and there are no nearby transit stops. As such, there are limited opportunities for the Project to facilitate transit and active transportation in the site vicinity. Nevertheless, the Project would improve surrounding roadways which then will improve the transportation network within the City. These roadways provide connectivity the I-10 allowing local traffic to access regional transportation facilities

9. Encourage development of
diverse housing types in areas
that are supported by multiple
transportation options.

Not Applicable. The Project does not include housing development.

10. Promote conservation of
natural and agricultural lands
and restoration of habitats
Consistent : The Project site is located within an existing semi-urban area designated for residential development through the Sunny-Cal SP. There are no designated agricultural lands or farmlands in the area or habitat restoration areas.

Source: SCAG. 2020. Connect SoCal. https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-attachments/0903fconnectsocal-plan_0.pdf?1606001176 (accessed January 2022).

The Project site is presently designated as “Single Family Residential” by the General Plan. A new Specific Plan and a General Plan Amendment would change the property’s land use designation from Single Family

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Residential to Industrial, General Commercial, and Open Space. The proposed land use designations would be consistent with the proposed e‐commerce center, commercial area, and open space uses.

The City is located in the northwestern portion of Riverside County (County) and is bounded by the City of Calimesa to the northwest, unincorporated areas of the County to the west, unincorporated County areas (e.g., Cherry Valley) to the north, unincorporated County areas and the City of San Jacinto to the south, and by the City of Banning to the east. The City is committed to working with all surrounding jurisdictions in an effort to deal with cross -border and regional issues. Beaumont GP Goal 5.6 and Implementation actions EDF 27, CFI, CFI 9, and CFI 26 address how the City will cooperate and work with other agencies to development and implement regional plans for groundwater, drainage, and solid waste.

The County of Riverside has an Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCPs) which is tasked with the compatibility planning for land uses surrounding 16 private, public, and military airports throughout Riverside County. The purpose is to protect the public health, safety, and w elfare through compatible development with airports and minimize the public’s exposure to noise and safety hazards. This is achieved through the implementation of policies in Compatibility Plans for each of the airports. As noted in Section 4.8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials , the City is not within an airport land use plan area ; there are no airports within the City, and the closest airport, Banning Municipal Airport, is located over nine miles southeast from the Project site. The Project’s consistency with other regional plans is discussed in the applicable topical section of the Draft EIR. Section 4.3, Biological Resources discusses the Project consistency with the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).

Additionally, the Project would further avoid creating an environmental effect or would further mitigate it with its participation in the cap-and-trade program.1 The cap-and-trade program is a system designed to reduce pollution in the atmosphere. The cap on greenhouse gas emissions that drive global warming is a firm limit on pollution. The cap gets stricter over time. The trade part is a market for companies to buy and sell allowances that let them emit only a certain amount, as supply and demand set the price. Trading gives companies a strong incentive to save money by cutting emissions in the most cost -effective ways.

The cap-and-trade program is applicable to the Project as it applies to large industrial sources such as power plants, refineries, and cement manufacturers which produce the raw materials utilized for the construction of the Project . The cap-and-trade program covers the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity consumed in California, generated in-state or imported. Accordingly, greenhouse gas emissions associated with CEQA projects’ electricity usage are covered by the cap-and-trade program. The cap-and-trade program also applies to the fuel suppliers (natural gas and propane fuel providers and transportation fuel providers) to address emissions from such fuels and combustion of other fossil fuels.

According to Section 4.7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Table 4.7-9, Project Consistency with Applicable CARB Scoping Plan Measures , the Project is consistent wit h the Climate Action Plan.

As such, the Project would be consistent with the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map; therefore, it would be consistent with all goals, policies, within the Beaumont GP. As such, inconsistency with City land

1 The Climate Action Team, led by the secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, is a group of State agency secretaries and heads of agencies, boards, and departments. Team members work to coordinate statewide efforts to implement global warming emi ssions reduction programs and the State’s Climate Adaptation Strategy

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use plans and reg ulations and the creation of environmental effects from Project implementation would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is necessary.

Level of Significance
Less than significant impact.

4.10.6 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope for cumulative impacts related to land use includes closely related past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects located in the surrounding area. Regarding conflicts with any land use plan, policies, or regulations, approval of the proposed Project and implementation of the proposed mitigation measures identified in this EIR would ensure that the proposed Project complies with applicable goals, policies, and regulations implemented by the County and City , including the previously noted cap-and-trade program or other applicant agencies with authority over on-site resources, or other land use planning authority. Greenhouse gas emissions have no jurisdictional boundaries and are ultimately a cumulative effect city, station, nation, and worldw ide. However, Project participation in the cap-and-trade program limits greenhouse gas emissions and as noted in Section 4.7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Table 4.7-9, Project Consistency with Applicable CARB Scoping Plan Measures , the Project would be consis tent with this program.

Potential land use impacts are site -specific and require evaluation on a case-by-case basis. This is true with regard to land use compatibility impacts, which are generally a function of the relationship between the interactive effects of a specific development site and those of its immediate environment. Existing as well as future cumulative development within the surrounding area is anticipated to occur in accordance with the City’s General Plan and Municipal Code and be evaluated as such the same as the proposed Project. Therefore, the proposed Project, in conjunction with these other projects, is not anticipated to introduce incompatible uses and substantially conflict with the operation of surrounding land uses.

The proposed Project would not physically divide an established community because it does not block access to any existing neighborhoods or existing uses in the vicinity of the Project site. The proposed Project would provide increased connectivity within the area with im provements to Cherry Valley Boulevard and Brookside Avenue that would connect to regional freeways the I -10. Therefore, the proposed Project would not make a cumulative contribution to impacts associated with conflicts with land use planning documents or r elated policies and regulations. These impacts are less than cumulatively considerable and less than significant.

4.10.7 Significant Unavoidable Impacts
No significant unavoidable land use and planning impacts have been identified.

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4.10.8 References
City of Beaumont. (2020). City of Beaumont General Plan 2040 Update. Retrieved from:
https://www.beaumontca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/36923/Beaumont -GPU_Final-rev-22521.

Riverside County General Plan, 2015. Available: https://planning.rctlma.org/General-Plan- Zoning/General-Plan.

Southern California Association of Governments. 2020-2045 RTP/SC S. Available: SCAG Connect SoCal - The 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy Adopted on September 3, 2020.

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4.11 NOISE

4.11.1 Introduction
The purpose of this section is to describe both construction-related and operational noise and vibration levels to on-site and surrounding land uses resulting from the Beaumont Summit Station Specific Plan (Project). The analysis in the section evaluates the level of noise impacts the proposed Project would have on the environment. Noise data and assumptions that are used for quantifying the proposed Project’s emissions are based on the following sources completed by Kimley-Horn. The noise data and calculations are included in Appendix J of this EIR .

4.11.2 Environmental Setting
Existing Noise Sources
The City of Beaumont is impacted by various noise sources. Mobile sources of noise, especially cars, trucks, and trains are the most common and significant sources of noise. Other noise sources are the various land uses (i.e., residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational and parks activities) throughout the City that generate stationary-source noise.

Mobile Sources
Existing roadway noise levels were calculated for the roadway segments in the Project vicinity. This task was accomplished using the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108) and existing traffic volumes from the Project t raffic analysis (prepared by Kimley-Horn, 2022). The noise prediction model calculates the average noise level at specific locations based on traffic volumes, average speeds, roadway geometry, and site environmental conditions. The average vehicle noise ra tes (also referred to as energy rates) used in the FHWA model have been modified to reflect average vehicle noise rates identified for California by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The Caltrans data indicates that California automob ile noise is 0.8 to 1.0 dBA higher than national levels and that medium and heavy truck noise is 0.3 to 3.0 dBA lower than national levels. The average daily noise levels along roadway segments in proximity to the Project site are included in Table 4.11-1, Existing Traffic Noise Levels .

Table 4.11-1: Existing Traffic Noise Levels
Roadway Segment ADT dBA CNEL 100 Feet from
Roadway Centerline
Cherry Valley Blvd
I-10 EB Ramps to I-10 WB Ramps 8,547 65.1
I-10 WB Ramps to Hannon Rd 6,706 64.0
Hannon Rd to Union St 6,073 63.6
Union St to Nancy Ave 5,140 62.9
Nancy Ave to Beaumont Ave 4,715 62.5
Brookside Ave
Hannon Rd to Union St 2,099 56.6
Union St to Nancy Ave 2,366 57.1
Nancy Ave to Oak View Dr 2,757 57.8
Oak View Dr to Beaumont Ave 2,557 57.4

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Roadway Segment ADT dBA CNEL 100 Feet from
Roadway Centerline
Oak Valley Pkwy I-10 EB Ramps to I-10 WB Ramps 10,996 62.8 I-10 WB Ramps to Oak View Dr 12,837 63.7
Hannon Rd Cherry Valley Blvd to Brookside 733 48.7
Union St Cherry Valley Blvd to Brookside 383 45.9
Nancy Ave Cherry Valley Blvd to Brookside 916 49.7
Oak View Dr Brookside Ave to Oak Valley Pkwy 4,723 60.1 Beaumont Ave Cherry Valley Blvd to Brookside 6,906 61.7 Brookside Ave to Oak Valley Pkwy 9,488 63.1
ADT = average daily trips; dBA = A -weighted decibels; CNEL = community noise equivalent level Source: Based on traffic data within the Traffic Impact Study , prepared by Kimley -Horn, 2021. Refer to Appendix J for traffic noise modeling assumptions and results.

As depicted in Table 4.11-1, the existing traffic-generated noise level on Project -vicinity roadways currently ranges from 45.9 dBA CNEL to 65.1 dBA CNEL 100 feet from the centerline. CNEL is 24 -hour average noise level with a 5 dBA “weighting” during the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and a 10 dBA “weighting” added to noise during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively.

Stationary Sources
The nearest source of stationary noise in the Project vicinity would come from existing single -family residential properties to the east. Noise sources from residential uses typically include mechanical equipment such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC ), automobile related noise such as cars starting and doors slamming, and landscaping equipment. The noise associated with these sources may represent a single-event noise occurrence or short -term noise. The noise associated with these sources may represent a single-event noise occurrence or short -term noise.

Noise Measurements
The Project site was formerly used as an eg g and poultry ranch but is currently vacant and unoccupied. To quantify existing ambient noise levels in the Project area, Kim ley-Horn conducted four short -term noise measurements and one long -term noise measurement on July 21, 2021; see Appendix J. The noise measurement sites were representative of typical existing noise exposure within and immediately adjacent to the Project site. The 10-minute measurements were taken between 9:46 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., the 24-hour measurement began at 11:15 a.m. on July 21 , 2021 and ended on July 22, 2021.

Measurements of Leq are considered representative of the noise levels throughout the day. T he average noise levels and sources of noise measured at each location are listed in Table 4.11-2, Existing Noise Measurements and shown on Exhibit 4.11-1, Noise Measurement Locations.

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Table 4.11-2: Existing Noise Measurements
Site Location Measurement Pe riod Duration
Daytime
Average L eq
(dBA)
Nighttime
Average
Leq (dBA)
ST-1 N. Deodar Drive and Katherine Court 9:46 – 9:57 a.m. 10 Minutes 56.2 - ST-2 Southern side of Brookside Avenue,
approximately 1,400 feet east of I -10 10:02 – 10:12 a.m. 10 Minutes 66.3 - ST-3 Northeast corner of Calimesa Blvd.
and Coit Avenue 10:25 – 10:35 a.m. 10 Minutes 63.8 -
ST-4
Along the south side of Cherry Valley
Boulevard, adjacent to the
northwest corner of the Project site
boundary.
10:50 – 11:00 a.m. 10 Minutes 69.8 -
LT-1
Along the south side of Cherry Valley
Boulevard, adjacent to the
northwest corner of the Project site
boundary.
7/21/2021 at 11:15 a.m. to
7/22/2021 at 11:35 a.m. 24 hours 68.3 61.8
Source: Noise measurements taken by Kimley -Horn, July 21, 2021. See Appendix J for noise measurement results.

Sensitive Receptors
Noise exposure goals for various types of land uses reflect the var ying noise sensitivities associated with those uses. Noise sensitive uses typically include residences, hospitals, schools, childcare facilities, and places of assembly. Vibration sensitive receivers are generally similar to noise sensitive receivers but m ay also include businesses, such as research facilities and laboratories that use vibration -sensitive equipment. The Project site is primarily surrounded by residential properties to the ea st and south of Brookside Avenue, the properties immediately to the north and west are vacant and undeveloped.

Sensitive land uses nearest to the Project are listed in Table 4.11-3, Sensitive Receptors .

Table 4.11-3: Sensitive Receptors
Receptor Description Distance and Direction from the
Project to Property Line Jurisdiction
Single -family Residences Adjacent to the east Riverside County Single -family Residences 160 feet to the south City of Beaumont Single -family Residences 530 feet to the southeast City of Beaumont Single -family Residences 740 feet to the west Riverside County Source: Google Earth
Acoustic Fundamentals
Acoustics is the science of sound. Sound can be described as the mechanical energy of a vibrating object transmitted by pressure waves through a medium (e.g., air) to human (or animal) ear. If the pr essure variations occur frequently enough (at least 20 times per second), they can be heard and are called sound.

The number of pressure variations per second is called the frequency of sound and is expressed as cycles per second, or hertz (Hz).

Noise is defined as loud, unexpected, or annoying sound. In acoustics, the fundamental model consists of a noise source, a receptor, and the propagation path between the tw o. The loudness of the noise source, obstructions, or atmospheric factors affecting the propag ation path, determine the perceived sound level and noise characteristics at the receptor. Acoustics deal primarily with the propagation and control of sound. A t ypical noise environment consists of a base of steady background noise that is the sum of many

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distant and indistinguishable noise sources. Superimposed on this background noise is the sound from individual local sources. These sources can vary from an occ asional aircraft or train passing by to continuous noise from traffic on a major highway. Perc eptions of sound and noise are highly subjective from person to person.

Measuring sound directly in terms of pressure would require a large range of numbers. To a void this, the decibel (dB) scale was devised. The dB scale uses the hearing threshold of 20 m icropascals (µPa) as a point of reference, defined as 0 dB. Other sound pressures are then compared to this reference pressure, and the logarithm is taken to keep the numbers in a practical range. The dB scale allows a million-fold increase in pressure to be expressed as 120 dB, and changes in levels correspond closely to human perception of relative loudness. Table 4.11-4, Typical Noise Levels provides typical noise levels.

Table 4.11-4: Typical Noise Levels
Common Outdoor Activities Noise Level (dBA) Comm on Indoor Activities – 110 – Rock Band
Jet fly-over at 1,000 feet
– 100 –
Gas lawnmower at 3 feet
– 90 –
Diesel truck at 50 feet at 50 miles per hour Food blender at 3 feet – 80 – Garbage disposal at 3 feet
Noisy urban area, daytime
Gas lawnmower, 100 feet – 70 – Vacuum cleaner at 10 feet Commercial area Normal Speech at 3 feet
Heavy traffic at 300 feet – 60 –
Large business office
Quiet urban daytime – 50 – Dishwasher in next room

Quiet urban nighttime – 40 – Theater, large conference room (background) Quiet suburban nighttime
– 30 – Library
Quiet rural nighttime Bedroom at night, concert hall (background) – 20 –
Broadcast/recording studio
– 10 –

Lowest threshold of human hearing – 0 – Lowest threshold of human hearing Source: California Department of Transportation, Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol, September 2013.

Noise Descriptors
The dB scale alone does not adequately characterize how humans perceive noise. The dom inant frequencies of a sound have a substantial effect on the human response to that sound. Several rating scales have been developed to analyze the adverse effect of community noise on people. Because environmental noise fluctuates over time, these scales consider that the effect of noise on people is largely dependent on the total acoustical energy content of the noise, as wel l as the time of day when the noise occurs. The equivalent noise level (L eq) represents the continuous sound pressure level over the measurement period, while the day-night noise level (Ldn) and Community Equivalent Noise Level (CNEL) are measures of energ y average during a 24-hour period, with dB weighted sound levels from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Most commonly, environmental sounds ar e described in terms of Leq that has the same acoustical energy as the summation of all the time -varying events. Each is applicable to this analysis and defined in Table 4.11-5, Definitions of Acoustical Terms .

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Table 4.11-5: Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term Definitions
Decibel (dB) A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure. The reference pressure for air is 20.

Sound Pressure Level Sound pressure is the sound force per unit area, usually expressed in µPa (or 20 micronewtons per square meter), where 1 pascals is the pressure resulting from a force of 1 newton exerted over an area of 1 square meter. The sound pressure level is expre ssed in dB as 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio between the pressures exerted by the sound to a reference sound pressure (e.g., 20 µPa). Sound pressure level is the quantity that is directly measured by a sound level meter.

Frequency (Hz) The number of complete pressure fluctuations per second above and below atmospheric pressure. Normal human hearing is between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Infrasonic sound are below 20 Hz and ultrasonic sounds are above 20,000 Hz.

A-Weighted Sound Level (dBA) Th e sound pressure level in dB as measured on a sound level meter using the A -weighting filter network. The A-weighting filter de -emphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the hum an ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise.

Equivalent Noise Level (L eq) The average acoustic ener gy content of noise for a stated period of time. Thus, the L eq of a time -varying noise and that of a steady noise are the same if they de liver the same acoustic energy to the ear during exposure. For evaluating community impacts, this rating scale does not vary, regardless of whether the noise occurs during the day o r the night.

Maximum Noise Level (L max )
Minimum Noise Level (L min) The maximum and minimum dBA during the measurement period.

Exceeded Noise Levels
(L 01, L10, L50, L90)
The dBA values that are exceeded 1%, 10%, 50%, and 90% of the time during the measurement period.

Day-Night Noise Level (L dn) A 24 -hour average L eq with a 10 dBA weighting added to noise during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for noise sensitivity at nighttime. The logarithmic effect of these additions is that a 60 dBA 24 -hour L eq would result in a measurement of 66.4 dBA L dn.

Community Noise Equivalent
Level (CNEL)
A 24-hour average L eq with a 5 dBA weighting during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and a 10 dBA weighting added to noise during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively. The logarithmic effect of the se additions is that a 60 dBA 24 -hour Leq would result in a measurement of 66.7 dBA CNEL.

Ambient Noise Level The composite of noise from all sources near and far. The normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location.

Intrusive That noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location.

The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends on its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence and tonal or informati onal content as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.

The A-weighted decibel (dBA) sound level scale gives greater weight to the frequencies of sound to which the human ear is most sensitive. Because sound levels can vary markedly over a short perio d of time, a method for describing either the average character of the sound or the statistical behavior of the variations must be utilized. Most commonly, environmental sounds are described in terms of an average level that has the same acoustical energy as the summation of all the time -va rying events.

The scientific instrument used to measure noise is the sound level meter. Sound level meters can accurately measure environmental noise levels to within about plus or minus 1 dBA. Various computer models are used to predict environmental nois e levels from sources, such as roadways and airports. The accuracy of the predicted models depends on the distance between the receptor and the noise source.

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A-Weighted Decibels
The perceived loudness of sounds is depende nt on many factors, including sound pressure level and frequency content. However, within the usual range of environmental noise levels, perception of loudness is relatively predictable and can be approximated by dBA values. There is a strong correlation b etween dBA and the way the human ea r perceives sound. For this reason, the dBA has become the standard tool of environmental noise assessment. All noise levels reported in this document are in terms of dBA, but are expressed as dB, unless otherwise noted.

Addition of Decibels
The dB scale is logarithmic, not linear, and therefore sound levels cannot be added or subtracted through ordinary arithmetic. Two sound levels 10 dB apart differ in acoustic energy by a factor of 10. When the standard logarithmic dB is A-weighted, an increase of 10 dBA is generally perceived as a doubling in loudness. For example, a 70-dBA sound is half as loud as an 80-dBA sound and twice as loud as a 60-dBA sound. When two identical sources are each producing sound of the same loudne ss, the resulting sound level at a given distance would be 3 dBA higher than one source under the same conditions. Under the dB scale, three sources of equal loudness together would produce an increase of 5 dBA.

Sound Propagation and Attenuation
Sound spreads (propagates) uniformly outward in a spherical pattern, and the sound level decreases (attenuates) at a rate of approximately 6 dB for each doubling of distance from a stationary or point source. Sound from a line source, such as a highway, propagates outward in a cylindrical pattern. Sound levels attenuate at a rate of approximately 3 dB for each doubling of distance from a line source, such as a roadway, depending on ground surface characteristics. No excess attenuation is assumed for hard surfaces like a parking lot or a body of water. Soft surfaces, such as soft dirt or grass, can absorb sound, so an excess ground-attenuation value of 1.5 dB per doubling of distance is normally assumed. For line sources, an overall attenuation rate of 3 dB per doubling of distance is assumed.

Noise levels may also be reduced by intervening structures; generally, a single row of buildings between the receptor and the noise source reduces the noise level by about 5 dBA, while a solid wall or berm reduces noise levels by 5 to 10 dBA. The way older homes in California were constructed generally provides a reduction of exterior-to-interior noise levels of about 20 to 25 dBA with closed windows. The exterior-to-interior reduction of newer residential units is generally 30 dBA or more.

Human Response to Noise
The human response to environmental noise is subjective and varies considerably from individual to individual. Noise in the community has often been cited as a health problem, not in terms of actual physiological damage, s uch as hearing impairment, but in t erms of inhibiting general well-being and contributing to undue stress and annoyance. The health effects of noise in the community arise from interference with human activities, including sleep, speech, recreation, and ta sks that demand concentration or coordination. Hearing loss can occur at the highest noise intensity levels.

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Noise environments and consequences of human activities are usually well represented by median noise levels during the day or night or over a 24 -hour period. Environmental noise leve ls are generally considered low when the CNEL is below 60 dBA, moderate in the 60 to 70 dBA range, and high above 70 dBA. Examples of low daytime levels are isolated, natural settings with noise levels as low as 20 dBA and quiet, suburban, residential stre ets with noise levels around 40 dBA. Noise levels above 45 dBA at night can disrupt sleep. Examples of moderate -level noise environments are urban residential or semi-commercial areas (typically 55 to 60 dBA) and commercial locations (typically 60 dBA). Pe ople may consider louder environments adverse, but most will accept the higher levels associated with noisier urban residential or residential-commercial areas (60 to 75 dBA) or dense urban or industrial areas (65 to 80 dBA). Regarding increases in dBA, the following relationships should be noted:
• Except in carefully controlled laboratory experiments, a 1 -dBA change cannot be perceived by humans.
• Outside of the laboratory, a 3-dBA change is considered a just -perceivable difference. • A minimum 5-dBA change is required before any noticeable change in community response would be expected. A 5-dBA increase is typically considered substantial. • A 10-dBA change is subjectively heard as an approximate doubling in loudness and would almost certainly cause an adverse c hange in community response.

Effects of Noise on People
Hearing Loss
While physical damage to the ear from an intense noise impulse is rare, a degradation of auditory acuity can occur even within a community noise environment. Hearing loss occurs mainly due to chronic exposure to excessive noise but may be due to a single event such as an explosion. Natural hearing loss associated with aging may also be accelerated from chronic exposure to loud noise. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a noise exposure standard that is set at the noise threshold where hearing loss may occur from long -term exposures. The maximum allowable level is 90 dBA averaged over 8 hours. If the noise is above 90 dBA, the allowable ex posure time is correspondingly shorter.

Annoyance
Attitude surveys are used for measuring the annoyance felt in a community for noises intruding into homes or affecting outdoor activity areas. In these surveys, it was determined that causes for annoyance include interference with speech, radio and television, house vibrations, and interference with sleep and rest. The Ldn as a measure of noise has been found to provide a valid correlation of noise level and the percentage of people annoyed. People have been asked to judge the annoyance caused by aircraft noise and ground transportation noise. There continues to be disagreement about the relative annoyance of these different sources. A noise level of about 55 dBA L dn is the threshold at which a substantial percentage of people begin to report annoyance.1

1 Federal Interagency Committee on Noise, Federal Agency Review of Selected Airport Noise Analys is Issues, August 1992.

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Groundborne Vibration
Sources of groundborne vibrations include natural phenomena (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, sea waves, landslides, etc.) or man-made causes (explosions, machinery, traffic, trains, con struction equipment, etc.). Vibration sources may be continuous (e.g., factory machinery) or transient (e.g., explosions). Ground vibration consists of rapidly fluctuating motions or waves with an average motion of zero. Several different methods are typic ally used to quantify vibration amplitude. One is the peak particle velocity (PPV); another is the root mean square (RMS) velocity. The PPV is defined as the maximum instantaneous positive or negative peak of the vibration wave. The RMS velocity is defined as the average of the squared amplitude of the signal. The PPV and RMS vibration velocity amplitudes are used to evaluate human response to vibration.

Table 4.11-6, Human Reaction and Damage to Buildings for Continuous or Frequent Intermittent Vibrations, displays the reactions of people and the effects on buildings produced by continuous vibration levels. The annoyance levels shown in the table should be interpreted with care since vibration may be found to be annoying at much lower levels than those lis ted, depending on the level of activity or the sensitivity of the individual. To sensitive individuals, vibrations approaching the threshold of perception can be annoying. Low-level vibrations frequently cause irritating secondary vibration, such as a slig ht rattling of windows, doors, or stacked dishes. The rattling sound can give rise to exaggerated vibration complaints, even though there is very little risk of actual structural damage. In high noise environments, which are more prevalent where groundborne vibration approaches perceptible levels, this rattling phenomenon may also be produced by loud airborne environmental noise causing induced vibration in exterior doors and windows.

Table 4.11-6: Human Reaction and Damage to Buildings for Continuous or Frequent Intermittent Vibrations Maximum
PPV
(in/sec)
Vibration
Annoyance
Potential Criteria
Vibration Damage Potential
Threshold Criteria FTA Vibration Damage Criteria

0.008 --
Extremely fragile historic
buildings, ruins, ancient
monuments
--

0.01 Barely Perceptible -- --

0.04 Distinctly
Perceptible -- --

0.1 Strongly Perceptible Fragile buildings --

0.12 -- -- Buildings extremely susceptible to
vibration damage

0.2 -- -- Non-engineered timber and masonry
buildings

0.25 -- Historic and some old buildings --

0.3 -- Older residential structures Engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster)

0.4 Severe -- --

0.5 --
New residential structures,
Modern industrial/commercial
buildings
Reinforced-concrete, steel or timber
(no plaster)
PPV = peak particle velocity; in/sec = inches per second; FTA = Federal Transit Administration Source: California Department of Transportation, Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual, 2020 and Federal Transit administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Asses sment Manual, 2018.

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Ground vibration can be a concern in instances where buildings shake, and substantial rumblings occur.

However, it is unusual for vibration from typical urban sources such as buses and heavy trucks to be perceptible. Common sources for groundborne vibration are planes, trains, and construction activities such as earth-moving which requires the use of heavy-duty earth moving equipment. For the purposes of this analysis, a PPV descriptor with units of inches per second (in/sec) is used t o evaluate construction- generated vibration for building damage and human complaints.

4.11.3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
To limit population exposure to physically or psychologically damaging as well as intrusive noise levels, the Federal government, the State of California, various county governments, and most municipalities in the state have established standards and ordinances to control noise.

Federal Transit Administration Noise and Vibration Guidance The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has published the Transit Nois e and Vibration Impact Assessment report to provide guidance on procedures for assessing impacts at different stages of transit project development. The report covers both construction and operational noise impacts and describes a range of meas ures for controlling excessive noise and vibration. The specified noise criteria are an earlier version of the criteria provided by the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed Ground Transportation Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. In general, the primary concern regarding vibration relates to potential damage from construction. The guidance document establishes criteria for evaluating the potential for damage for various structural categories from vibration.

State
California Government Code
California Government Code (CGC) § 65302(f) mandates that the legislative body of each county and city adopt a noise element as part of its comprehensive general plan. The local noise element must recognize the land use compatibility guidelines established by t he State Department of Health Services. The guidelines rank noise land use compatibility in terms of “normally acceptable ,” “conditionally acceptable,” “normally unacceptable,” and “clearly unacceptable” noise levels for various land use types. Single -family homes are “normally acceptable” in exterior noise environments up to 60 CNEL and “conditionally acceptable” up to 70 CNEL. Multiple-family residential uses are “normally acceptable” up to 65 CNEL and “conditionally acceptable” up to 70 CNEL. Schools, libraries, and churches are “normally acceptable” up to 70 CNEL, as are office buildings and business, commercial, and professional uses.

California Noise Control Act of 1973
California Health and Safety Code §§ 46000 through 46080, known as the California N oise Control Act, find that excessive noise is a serious hazard to public health and welfare and that exposure to certain levels of noise can result in physiological, psychological, and economic damage. The act also finds that

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there is a continuous and inc reasing bombardment of noise in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The act declares that the State of California has a responsibility to protect the health and welfare of its citizens through the control, prevention, and abatement of noise. It is the policy of the state to provide an environment for all Californians that is free from noise that jeopardizes their health or welfare.

California Code of Regulations, Title 24 (California Noise Insulation Standards ) The State’s noise insulation standards are codified in the C alifornia Code of Regulations, Title 24: Part 1, Building Standards Administrative Code, and Part 2, California Building Code. These noise standards are applied to new construction in California for interior noise compatibility from exterior no ise sources. The regulations specify that acoustical studies must be prepared when noise -sensitive structures, such as residential buildings, schools, hotel rooms, or hospitals, are located near major transportation noise sources, and where such noise sour ces create an exterior noise level of 65 dBA CNEL or higher. Acoustical studies that accompany building plans must demonstrate that the structure has been designed to limit interior noise in habitable rooms to acceptable noise levels. For new multi -family residential buildings and habitable rooms (including hotels), the acceptable interior noise limit for new construction is 45 dBA CNEL.

California Vehicle Code
A number of California vehicle noise regulations can be enforced by local authorities, as well as the California Highway Patrol. These include §§ 23130, 23130.5, 27150 and 38275 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC), as well as excessive speed laws, which may also be applied to curtail traffic noise.

California Vehicle Code (CVC §§ 23130 and 23130.5) establish maximum noise emission limits for the operation of all motor vehicles at any time under any conditions of grade, load, acceleration, or deceleration.

CVC § 27150 requires motor vehicles to be equipped with an adequate muffler to prevent excessiv e noise.

CVC § 38275 requires off-highway motor vehicles to be equipped with an adequate muffler to prevent excessive noise.

Local
City of Beaumont 2040 General Plan
The Beaumont 2040 Plan goals, policies, and implementation actions that reduce potential noise impacts include:

Land Use and Community Design Element
Goal 3.4: A City that maintains and expands its commercial, industrial and other employment-generating land uses.

Policy 3.4.8 Where industrial uses are near existing and planned residential de velopment, require that industrial projects be designed to limit the impact of truck traffic, air and noise pollution on sensitive receptors.

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Noise Element
Goal 10.1: A City where noise exposure is minimized for those living, working, and visiting the community
Policy 10.1.1 Protect public health and welfare by eliminating existing noise problems and by preventing significant degradation of the future acoustic environment.

Policy 10.1.2 Adopt, maintain, and enforce planning guidelines that establish the acceptable noise standards identified in Table 10.1 and 10.2.

Policy 10.1.2 Protect noise-sensitive uses, such as residences, schools, health care facilities, hotels, libraries, parks and places of worship, from excessive noise levels through land use adjacency, building design, and noise ordinance enforcement.

Policy 10-1.4 Incorporate noise considerations into land use planning decisions. Require the inclusion of noise mitigation measure s, as may be necessary to meet standards, in the design of new development projects in the City.

Policy 10.1.5 Require projects involving new development or modifications to existing development to implement measures, where necessary, to reduce noise leve ls to at least the normally compatible range. Design measures should focus on architectural features and building design and construction, rather than site design features, such as excessive setbacks, berms, and sound walls, to maintain compatibility with adjacent and surrounding uses.

Policy 10.1.6 Encourage reduction of stationary noise impacts from commercial and industrial land uses, activities, events, and businesses on noise -sensitive land uses.

Policy 10.1.7 Limit delivery or service hours for stor es and businesses with loading areas, docks, or trash bins that front, side, border, or gain access on driveways next to residential and other noise sensitive areas, such as residences, schools, hospitals, religious meeting spaces, and recreation areas.

Po licy 10.1.8 Promote the effective enforcement of Federal, State, and City noise standards by all appropriate City departments.

Goal 10.2: A City with minimal mobile source -generated noise levels.

Policy 10.2.1 Work with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration to reduce noise impacts to sensitive receptors along I-10, SR-60 and SR-70.

Policy 10.2.2 Regulate traffic flow to enforce speed limits to reduce traffic noise. Periodically evaluate and enforce established truck and bus routes to avoid noise impacts on sensitive receptors.

Policy 10.2.3 Prohibit truck routes through neighborhoods with sensitive receptors, where feasible.

Policy 10.2.4 Reduce the impacts of roadway noise on noise -sensitive receptors where roadway noise exceeds the normally compatible range.

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Policy 10.2.5 Require the use of traffic calming measures such as reduced speed limits or roadway design features to reduce noise levels where roadway noise exceeds the normally compatible range.

Policy 10.2.6 Encourage the use of noise-reducing paving materials, such as open-grade or rubberized asphalt , for public and private road surfacing projects in proximity to existing and proposed residential land uses.

Policy 10.2.7 Consider the noise effects of City purchases and or leases of vehicles and other noise generating equipment. Take reasonable and fe asible actions to reduce the noise generated from City-owned or leased vehicles and equipment, where possible.

Policy 10.2.8 Ensure that noise and vibration from existing rail lines is considered during the land use planning and site development processes .

Policy 10.2.9 If Metrolink or other passenger rail service is initiated, work with the rail service providers to address noise and vibration considerations adjacent to the r ail corridor.

Implementation N1 Update the City’s Noise Ordinance. Provide development standards and project design guidelines that include a variety of mitigation measures that can be applied to meet City standards for projects exceeding the City’s noise standards.

Implementation N2 Requirement for Acoustical Studies. Amend development application requirements so that projects that could result in noise environments above normally acceptable noise ranges or all new development complete acoustical studies prepared by qualified professionals to ensure that the noise levels are at acceptable levels, per the Municipal Code.

Implementation N3 Project Design Guidelines. Integrate project design guidelines that integrate features into new developments that minimize impacts associated with the operation of air conditioning and heating equipment, on-site traffic, and use of parking, loading, and trash storage facilities.

Implementation N4 Freeway Noise Reduction. Work collaboratively with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration to install measures that mitigate noise impacts along freeways.

Implementation N5 Traffic Noise Assessment. Periodically review and assess the sources of noise and vibration, strategies for mitigating impacts, and specific a ctions that can be applied.

Implementation N6 Construction Noise Limits. Review the hours of allowed construction activity to ensure they effectively lead to compliance within the limits (maximum noise levels, hours and days of allowed activity) established in the City’s noise regulations.

Implementation N7 Stationary Equipment. Enforce requirements that all stationary construction equipment shall be operated with closed engine doors, equipped with properly

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operating and maintained mufflers, and placed so that emitted noise is directed away from the nearest sensitive receptors.

Implementation N8 Equipment Staging Areas. Require that equipment staging shall be in areas that will create the greatest distance feasible between construction -related noise sources and noise-sensitive receptors.

Implementation N9 Additional Noise Attenuation Techniques. Require that temporary sound barriers are installed and maintained between the construction site and the sensitive receptors during the clearing, earth moving, gra ding, and foundation/conditioning phases of construction. Temporary sound barriers shall consist of sound blankets affixed to construction fencing along all sides of the construction site boundary facing potentially sensitive receptors.

Implementation N10 Vehicle and Equipment Idling. Establish requirements that construction vehicles and equipment are not left idling for longer than five minutes when not in use.

City of Beaumont Municipal Code
The Beaumont Municipal Code (MC) establishes the following provisions for noise relative to the proposed Project:

Section 9.02.050 – Special Provisions
All ambient noise measurements shall commence at the base ambient noise levels in decibels within the respective times and zones as follows:

Table 4.11-7: Base Ambient Noise Level
Decibels Time Zone Use
45 dBA 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. Residential
55 dBA 7:00 a.m. – 10: p.m. Residential
50 dBA 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. Industrial and Commercial 75 dBA 7:00 a.m. – 10: p.m. Industrial and Commercial
Source: City of Beaumont, City of Beaumont Municipal Code, 2019 Actual decibel measurements exceeding the levels set forth hereinabove at the times and within the zones corresponding thereto shall be employed as the “base ambient noise level.” Otherwise, no ambient noise shall be deemed to be than the above specified levels.

Section 9.02.110 – Special Provisions
F. Construction, Landscape. Maintenance or Repair

1. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in or permit the generation of noise related to landscape maintenance, construction including erection, excavation, demolition, alteration or repair of any s tructure or improvement, at such sound levels, as measured at the property line of the nearest adjacent occupied property, as to be in excess of the sound levels permitted under this Chapter, at other times than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The person engaged in such activity is hereby permitted to exceed sound levels otherwise set forth in this Chapter for the duration of the activity during the above

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described hours for purposes of construction. However, nothing contained herein shall permit any person to cause sound levels to at any time exceed 55 dB(A) for intervals of more than 15 minutes per hour as measured in the interior of the nearest occupied residence or school.

2. Whenever a construction site is within one -quarter of a mile of an occupied residence or residences, no construction activities shall be undertaken between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the months of June through September and between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during the months of October through May. Exceptions to these standards shall be allowed only with the written consent of the building official.

County of Riverside General Plan
The County of Riverside General Plan contains the following policies addressing noise as part of the Noise Element:

Policy N 1.1 Protect noise-sensitive land uses from high levels of noise by restricting noise - producing land uses from these areas. If the noise -producing land use cannot be relocated, then noise buffers such as setbacks, landscaping, or blockwalls shal l be used.

Policy N 1.5 Prevent and mitigate the adverse impacts of excessive noise exposure on the residents, employees, visitors, and noise-sensitive uses of Riverside County.

Policy N 1.6 Minimize noise spillover or encroachment from commercial and ind ustrial land uses into adjoining residential neighborhoods or noise -sensitive uses.

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Table 4.11-8: Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Exposure

Source: County of Riverside, County of Riverside General Plan, 2015.

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4.11.4 Impact Thresholds and Significan ce Criteria
CEQA Thresholds
State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G contains the Environmental Checklist Form, which includes questions concerning noise. The questions presented in the Environmental Checklist Form have been utilized as significance criteria in this section. Accordingly, the Project would have a significant effect on the environment if it would:
• Generate a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies;
• Generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels; and • For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, expose people residing or working in the Project area to excessive noise levels.

Methodology and Assumptions
Construction
Construction noise levels were based on typical noise levels generated by construction equipment published by the FTA and the FHWA. Construction noise is assessed in dBA Leq. This unit is appropriate because Leq can be used to describe noise level from operation of each piece of equipment separ ately, and levels can be combined to represent the noise level from all equipment operating during a given period.

Construction noise modeling was conducting using the FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM). Reference noise levels are used to estimate operational noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors based on a standard noise attenuation rate of 6 dB per doubling of distance (line -of-sight method of sound attenuation for point sources of noise). Noise level estimates do not account for the pres ence of intervening structures or topography, which may reduce noise levels at receptor locations. Therefore, the noise levels presented herein represent a conservative, reasonable worst -case estimate of actual temporary construction noise. The City of Beaumont does not establish quantitative construc tion noise standards ; therefore, this analysis conservatively uses the FTA’s threshold of 80 dBA (8 -hour Leq) for residential uses and 90 dBA (8-hour Leq) for non-residential uses to evaluate construction noise impacts.2 Operations
The analysis of the Without Project and With Project noise environments is based on noise prediction modeling and empirical observations. Reference noise level data are used to estimate the Project operational noise impacts from stationary sources. Noise levels are collected from field noise measurements and other published sources from similar types of activities are used to estimate noise levels expected with the Project’s stationary sources. The reference noise levels are used to re present a

2 Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, Table 7-2, Page 179, September 2018.

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worst-case noise environment as noise level from stationary sources can vary throughout the day.

Operational noise is evaluated based on the standards within the City’s Noise Ordinance and General Plan.

An analysis was conducted of the Project’s effect on traffic noise conditions at offsit e land uses. Without Project traffic noise levels were compared to With Project traffic noise levels. The environmental baseline is the Without Project condition. The Without Project and With Project traffic noi se levels in the Project vicinity were calculated using the FHWA Highway Noise Prediction Model (FHWA -RD-77-108). The actual sound level at any receptor location is dependent upon such factors as the source -to-receptor distance and the presence of intervening structures (walls and buildings), barrier s, and topography. The noise attenuating effects of changes in elevation, topography, and intervening structures were not included in the model. Therefore, the modeling effort is considered a worst -case representation of the roadway noise.

In general, a 3-dBA increase in traffic noise is barely perceptible to people, while a 5‐dBA increase is readily noticeable. The City has identified a two-step process for evaluating traffic noise impacts in previous CEQA documents. A potentially significant impact would occur if the Project would cause ambient noise levels to increase by 3 dBA CNEL or more and the resulting noise falls on a noise-sensitive land use that exceeds the noise and land use compatibility standards (i.e., causing the noise level of a noise sensitive land use within an area to be categorized as either “Normally Unacceptable” or “C learly Unacceptable”). Note that noise level changes less than 3 dBA are not detectable by the human ear.

The City of Beaumont does not specifically provide noise and land use compatibility standards (i.e., noise standards using a 24-hour metric such as Ldn or CNEL and with Normally Acceptable, Conditionally Acceptable, Normally Unacceptable, and Clearly Unacceptable designations). In these cases, the County’s noise and la nd use compatibility standards (as recommended by the State Office of Planning and Research) are relied upon. Noise levels up to 60 dBA CNEL are considered Normally Acceptable and noise levels up to 70 dBA CNEL are considered C onditionally Acceptable. Meeting the conditionally acceptable standards are appropriate as long as the 45 dBA interior noise standard can be met. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in a significant increase in existing traffic noise levels if Project traffic would increase the noise level by 3 dBA CNEL to over 70 dBA CNEL at an outdoor use area of a residence .

Vibration
Groundborne vibration levels associated with construction-related activities for the Project were evaluated utilizing typical groundborne vibration levels ass ociated with construction equipment, obtained from FTA published data for construction equipment. Potential g roundborne vibration impacts related to building/structure damage and interference with sensitive existing operations were evaluated, considering t he distance from construction activities to nearby land uses and typically applied criteria.

For a structure built traditionally, without assistance from qualified engineers, the FTA guidelines show that a vibration level of up to 0.20 in/sec is considered safe and would not result in any vibration damage.

FTA guidelines show that modern engineered buildings built with reinforced-concrete, steel or timber can withstand vibration levels up to 0.50 in/sec and not experience vibration damage. The Caltrans 2020 Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual identifies the vibration threshold for human

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annoyance, vibrations levels of 0.04 in/sec begin to cause annoyance and levels of 0.2 in/sec are considered annoying.

4.11.5 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Impact 4.11-1 Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the Project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? Level of Significance: Less than Significant Impact
On-Site Construction Noise
Construction noise typically occurs intermittently and varies depending on the nature or phase of construction (e.g., land clearing, grading, excavation, paving). Noise generated b y construction equipment, including earth movers, material handlers, and portable generators, c an reach high levels.

During construction, exterior noise levels could affect the residential neighborhoods surrounding the construction site. The nearest sensit ive receptors to the Project construction area are existing residential uses to the east with the nearest residential building located approximately 67 feet from the construction area. However, it is acknowledged that construction activities would occur th roughout the Project site and would not be concentrated at a single point near sensitive recept ors. Construction activities would include demolition, site preparation, grading, building construction, paving, and architectural coating.

Such activities would require industrial saws, excavators, and dozers during demolition; dozers and tractors during site preparation; excavators, graders, dozers, scrapers, and tractors during grading; cranes, forklifts, generators, tractors, and welders during building constr uction; pavers, rollers, and paving equipment during paving; and air compressors during archite ctural coating. Typical operating cycles for these types of construction equipment may involve 1 or 2 minutes of full power operation followed by 3 to 4 minutes at lower power settings. Other primary sources of acoustical disturbance would be random incidents, which would last less than one minute (such as dropping large pieces of equipment or the hydraulic movement of machinery lifts). Typical noise levels associ ated with individual construction equipment are listed in Table 4.11-9, Typical Construction No ise Levels .

Table 4.11-9: Typical Construction Noise Levels
Equipment Typical Noise Level (dBA) at 50
feet from Source
Typical Noise Level (dBA) at 67
feet from Source1
Air Compressor 80 77
Backhoe 80 77
Compactor 82 79
Concrete Mixer 85 82
Concrete Pump 82 79
Concrete Vibrator 76 73
Crane, Mobile 83 80
Dozer 85 82
Generator 82 79
Grader 85 82
Impact Wrench 85 82
Jack Hammer 88 85
Loader 80 77

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Equipment Typical Noise Level (dBA) at 50
feet from Source
Typical Noise Level (dBA) at 67
feet from Source1
Paver 85 82
Pneumatic Tool 85 82
Pump 77 74
Roller 85 82
Saw 76 73
Scraper 85 82
Shovel 82 79
Truck 84 81

1. Calculated using the inverse square law formula for sound attenuation: dBA 2 = dBA1+20Log(d1/d2) Where: dBA2 = estimated noise level at receptor; dBA1 = reference noise level; d1 = reference distance; d2 = receptor location distance Source: Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, September 2018.

Although the construction equipment noise levels in Table 4.11-9 are from FTA’s 2018 Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, the noise levels are based on measured data from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report which uses data from the 1970s 3 , the FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model which uses data from the early 1990s, and other measured data. Sin ce that time, construction equipment has been required to meet more stringent emissions standards and the additional necessary exhaust systems also reduce noise from what is shown in the table.

The City’s MC does not establish quantitative exterior construction noise standards ; however, § 9.02.111 states that construction activities within one -quarter mile of an occupied residence can only occur between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the months of June through September and between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the months of October through May. In addition, no sound can exceed 55 dBA for intervals of more than 15 minutes per hour as measured in the interior of the nearest occupied residence or school. While the Beaumont MC does not establish quantitative c onstruction noise standards , this analysis conservatively uses the FTA’s threshold of 80 dBA (8 -hour Leq) for residential uses and 90 dBA (8-hour Leq) for non-residential uses to evaluate const ruction noise impacts.4 Standard construction provides 25 dBA of exterior-to-interior noise attenuation with windows closed and 15 dBA with windows open.5 Therefore, it can be assumed that exterior noise levels of 80 dBA would equal 55 dBA when measured from the interior with windows closed.

Phase 1 and Phase 2 Construction Noise
The noise levels calculated in Table 4.11-10, Phase 1 and Phase 2 Construction Noise Levels , show estimated exterior construction noise for each phase of construction without accounting for attenuation from intervening barriers, structur es, or topography. Because building construction, paving, and architectural coating activities are anticipated to overlap, the equipment from these phases have been combined. D uring construction, equipment would operate throughout the Project site and the associated noise levels would not occur at a fixed location for extended periods of time. The closest sensitive receptors are located along the eastern property line.

3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations, Building Equipmen t and Home Appliances, NTID300.1, December 31, 1971.
4 Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, Table 7-2, Page 179, September 2018. 5 United States Environmental Protection Agency, Protective Noise Levels (EPA 550/9-79-100), 1979.

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Table 4.11-10: Phase 1 and Phase 2 Construction Noise Levels at Nearest Receptor Construction Phase
Modeled
Exterior
Construction
Noise Level
(dBA L eq)
FTA Noise
Threshold
(dBA L eq)
Exceed
Threshold?
Demolition 69 80 No
Site Preparation 65 80 No
Grading 69 80 No
Building Construction/Paving/Architectural Coating 67 80 No

1. Following FTA methodology, all equipment is assumed to operate at the center of the Project site because equipment would oper ate throughout the Project site and not at a fixed location for extended periods of time. Thus, the worst-case distance used in the RCNM model was 350 feet to the property line east of the construction zone.

Source: Federal Highway Administration, Roadway Construction Noise Model, 2006. Refer to Appendix J for noise modeling results.

As shown in Table 4.11-10, exterior construction noise levels would not exceed the FTA’s 80 dBA threshold at the property line. Additionally, as noise levels would not exceed 70 dBA, interior noise levels would attenuate to 55 dBA or less (conservatively assuming 15 dBA outdoor to indoor noise reduction with windows open). Therefore, noise levels when measured in the interior of the nearest occupied residence would not exceed the City’s threshold of 55 dBA at any time. In addit ion, as required by the City MC, cons truction activities may only occur between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the months of June through September and between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the months of October through May. Cons truction noise would therefore have a less than significant impact.

Off-Site Construction Traffic Noise . Construction noise may be generated by passenger cars from worker trips and trucks to deliver materials and haul soil to and from the Project site . Delivery trucks, haul trucks, and worker vehicles associated with the construction of the proposed Project would vary from day to day, with the highest volumes generally occurring during construction initiation. The Project’s off-site construction noise impact from haul trucks was analyzed by us ing the FHWA RD -77-108 model to quantify noise from the Project’s maximum estimated haul truck usage with existing traffic and roadway noise levels along the potential haul routes. The location of roadside sensitive rec eptors was also considered.

As the Project would require haul trucks over the course of the construction period to accommodate the soil off haul necessary for construction. The addition of haul trucks would alter the fleet mix of haul route roadways. This effect was accounted for by adjusting the fleet mix (i.e., increasing the truck percentages) in the FHWA RD -77-108 model.

Table 4.11-11, Construction Traffic Noise Levels provides the predicted noise levels along Cherry Valley Boulevard as all construction traffic is anticipated to access the site from this roadway. Table 4.11-11 shows that roadway noise levels would range from 62.5 dBA to 65.1 dBA under existing conditions and from 62.5 dBA to 66.8 dBA under existing conditions plus Project construction. The greatest change in noise levels would occur along Cherry Valley Boulevard from the Project access to Hannon Road.

Construction traffic would result in an increase in ambient noise levels of up to 2.1 dBA. This increase in ambient noise levels is below the perceptible range (3.0 dBA). There fore, a less than significant impact would occur.

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Table 4.11-11: Construction Traffic Noise Levels

Roadway Segment
Existing Conditions Existing Plus
Construction
Change Noise
Threshold
Significant
Impact ADT
dBA CNEL at
100 feet from
Roadway
Centerline
ADT
dBA CNEL at
100 feet from
Roadway
Centerline
Cherry
Valley Blvd.

I-10 EB Ramps to I-10 WB Ramps 8,547 65.1 9,054 66.8 1.7 70 No I-10 WB Ramps to Project Access 6,706 64.0 7,213 66.0 2.0 70 No Project Access to Hannon Rd 6,706 63.9 7,213 66.0 2 .1 60 No Hannon Rd to Union St 6,073 63.6 6,406 65.3 1.7 60 No Union St to Nancy Ave 5,140 62.9 5,473 64.8 1.9 60 No Nancy Ave to Beaumont Ave 4,715 62.5 4,715 62.5 0 60 No ADT = average daily traffic; dBA = A -weighted decibels; CNEL = community noise equivalent level.

Source: Based on traffic data within the Traffic Impact Study , prepared by Kimley -Horn, 2022. Refer to Appendix J for traffic noise modeling assumptions and results.

Operations
Implementation of the proposed Project would create new sources of noise in t he Project vicinity. The major noise sources associated with the Project would include s tationary noise equipment (i.e., trash compactors, air conditioners, etc.); truck and loading dock (i.e., slow moving truck on the site, maneuvering and idling trucks, equipment noise); parking areas (i.e., car door slamming, car radios, engine start-up, and car pass -by); drive-thru noise; and off-site traffic noise.

Mechanical Equipment
The Project is located near residential properties to the east and south, while properties to the north and west are vacant. The nearest sensitive receptor to the Project site is approximately 67 feet east of the property boundary. Potential stationary noise sources related to long -term operation of the Project site would include mechanic al equipment. Mechanical equipment (e.g., heating ventilation and air conditioning [HVAC] equipment) typically generates noise levels of approximately 52 dBA at 50 feet.6 Based on current site plans, the nearest Project structure woul d be a retail building located approximately 230 feet west of the nearest residential and non-residential property lines . At a minimum distance of 230 feet, mechanical equipment noise levels would attenuate to 39 dBA, which is below the City’s noise ambient noise standards of 45 dBA for nighttime (10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.) and 55 dBA for daytime (7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.) for residential receptors (refer to Table 4.11-7). Noise from mechanical equipment would also be below the City’s non-residential 50 dBA nighttime standard and 75 dBA daytime standard. Noise impacts associated with HVAC equipment would be less than significant. Operation of mechanical equipment would not increase ambient noise levels beyond the acceptable compatible land use noise levels. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in a less than significant impact related to stationary noise levels. Further, the Project would be required to comply with the General Plan and Municipal Code noise standards.

Warehouse Truck and Loading Dock Noise
During loading and unloading activities, noise would be generated by the trucks’ diesel engines, exhaust systems, and brakes during low gear shifting’ braking activities; backing up toward the docks; dropping

6 Elliott H. Berger, Rick Neitzel, and Cynthia A. Kladden, Noise Navigator Sound Level Database with Over 1700 M easurement Values, July 6, 2010.